EXCEPT for Singapore and Brunei, there is no small, extremely wealthy, sparsely populated country in the world that lacks sufficient military power, as is the case for some countries in the region. Regional security is largely protected or assured by Western influence, primarily represented by the United States and its military bases in the region. With recent developments on the international scene, the anticipated sharp shift in American policy, at least over the next four years, which could extend to eight years if the current U.S. Vice President wins the upcoming presidential election, and considering America’s tendency to withdraw inward and cease playing the role of international police, it is likely that our countries will soon find themselves obligated to pay for their own security protection.
Otherwise, they will be left vulnerable. This situation requires the GCC countries to consider and possibly seek solutions, both conventional and innovative, to ensure their security and the sustainable prosperity of their peoples. But how can this be achieved? Of course, answering this question is not easy. However, observers and political analysts believe that the GCC countries, at least two of which possess significant human resources and strategic advantages, must intensify their cooperation and develop various strategies to protect themselves from potential pressures or demands from any party. This is necessary to avoid being targeted one by one.
This also requires accelerating the diversification of their international alliances and strengthening relations through the formation of alliances and the signing of MoUs with other global powers such as China, Russia, the European Union, and India, as well as major regional countries like Turkey and even Iran. Moreover, the GCC needs a new spirit to enhance its basic role, strengthen its unifying vision, and adopt a unified diplomacy, particularly in matters of security and foreign affairs. This would enable the GCC countries to address the world with one voice and make coordinated political and economic decisions. The GCC must also adopt a unified oil policy and work seriously to resolve all current disputes among its member states.
The threats facing the GCC countries are far greater than any disputes over land borders or oil wells. The issue also requires increasing the militarization of society through carefully considered recruitment programs that cover a broader age range, targeting both males and females. It demands substantial and unified investment in local defense industries, as well as the development of high-tech, finance, and tourism sectors. Also, it is vital to utilize experienced diplomatic figures who have previously retired and assign them the task of strengthening relations with major powers and promoting our image as a peace-loving nation with a distinguished record of providing aid to other countries. It requires working together to form pressure groups in the capitals of major powers. This can be achieved through the efforts of the GCC states’ embassies or their extensive interests in those countries . They must also highlight, through their media, the humanitarian role played by the GCC states and the huge amount of aid they have provided, which has reached nearly every corner of the globe.
This must be accompanied by the GCC states’ full commitment to all international conventions regarding human rights and human trafficking, the implementation of legislative reforms, the strengthening of security cooperation among GCC states, and the development of plans aimed at enhancing the protection of overseas GCC assets in case they become targets of potential sanctions or legal actions. The GCC states should also strengthen their presence within international bodies such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank (WB). If the aforementioned tasks are achieved, they will provide additional layers of protection and support to the GCC countries in the face of any potential challenging situations.
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
