An Arab Nato alliance will checkmate Iran

In the run up to Donald Trump’s first official trip as US President to Saudi Arabia last year, whispers in the corridors of power hinted at a likely military alliance between the US and the GCC. An ‘Arab Nato’ alliance, they called it. Nothing materialised then but the idea remained in circulation. Military alliances are important. They serve to prevent war, ensure geo-strategic balance, and enhance international cooperation. A stronger strategic partnership between the US and the GCC, therefore, makes sense and would effectively make the Middle East more stable. The White House already coordinates with the Middle Eastern countries on a host of issues and deeper cooperation would be a logical extension to this partnership. The coalition could further build on combined defence and deterrence, tackle counter-terror financing and confront extremist ideology, while coordinating to counter Iran’s growing influence in the region. It is no secret that Iran is revanchist, just like Russia. Tehran spares no attempt to upend the existing order in the region by interfering in the affairs of sovereign countries. It has perpetually used its resources to sponsor terrorism and strengthen its armed forces. Iran effectively controls three other capitals in the region — Beirut, Damascus, and Sanaa, and also has footprint in Baghdad. The US, which is the largest economy and the leader of the free world, has the power to keep in check such ambitions. The ‘Arab Nato’ could help Washington make its presence felt in the region again by empowering Arab countries militarily, like it did for Nato in Europe after World War II.

President Trump’s been making the right moves, or noises, so far, and deserves credit for calling a spade, a spade. His tough talk on Iran is likely to produce better results for the region. At this juncture an alliance with the Arab world could just provide his administration with the backing it needs. If this alliance takes shape it could be a new beginning, one that would be mutually beneficial for the US and the Middle East to restore order through a security umbrella, while militarily thwarting Tehran’s adventurism in the future.