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Two summits of
the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and leaders of Arab
countries and the 14th OIC summit were recently held in Makkah. HH the Amir of
Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah called on the GCC countries to achieve
the hopes of their people, overcome all obstacles and put an end to the dispute
that has afflicted them and damaged their interests.
Bahrain's foreign
minister said these summits had achieved its objectives and brought constructive
results that reflect the positions of Arab and Islamic countries and their
common will to continue their efforts to overcome all the challenges
surrounding them that aim at undermining national security and hindering
development .
I think the
Qatari prime minister attending a major summit in Makkah is a sign of a
possible breakthrough in relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with the
support of the United States. But this may take more time, as the Qatari
delegation to the Arab League later sent a letter to the General Secretariat of
the League announcing Qatar's reservations and rejection of the statement of
the emergency Arab summit. However, I think that Qatar's participation in this
meeting means that the doors are not completely closed.
Money alone does
not protect a country. I remembered this statement in light of the tensions
that surround the region and between the GCC countries. Because I am a peace
advocate and look to the future, I am writing in this article on what I see is
important for the economic future of our countries, known as the oil states. I
think it is unreasonable for the economy to grow without having viable military
and economic unity among brothers.
Therefore, the
establishment of a process of military and economic balance is important among
the countries of the region with regards to their economy and the ability to
protect their wealth for future generations. Therefore, I believe that building
a large Gulf army has become an urgent and great necessity and not just an
option for the Gulf Cooperation Council, because the presence of a unified Gulf
army will form a high wall that protects the Gulf and guarantees a secure
future for economic aspirations. A unified Gulf army should build a strong and
unified economy for the Gulf states.
It is known the
economy is the cornerstone of any regional unity. The economic horse is
dragging the political cart, and not the opposite. The countries of the region
live under constant threat, making them constantly in need of external
guardians, which not only affects wealth development, but also depends on the
"guardian's" external interests.
In theory, if the
armies of the Gulf states had deployed 30 years ago when Saddam Hussein invaded
Kuwait within hours, for example, the damage wouldn't have occurred; until
today, to find a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Yemen crisis that
protects the Yemenis and their neighbors too.
However, the
reality is that the Gulf states have not established a solid unified entity that
protects them from internal political fluctuations, and for this simple and
fundamental reason, Gulf unity would be a wall against any external security
emergency.
Kuwait's
participation in these summits was at the highest level of representation - by
HH the Amir - to address all the challenges facing the region in light of the
dangerous developments in the region, maintain security and stability in the
region, secure its maritime navigation and ensure the flow of energy supplies
to the world.
Kuwait is making
mediation efforts to bring peace to the region and among brothers. I believe
that true unity is the unity of the common economy, protected by a strong Gulf
army and reinforced by the political will of all states. Otherwise, calls and
aspirations for unity and peace will remain good wishes at annual meetings.
By Muna Al-Fuzai
