Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
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In the past few months, the MENA region has witnessed many events which have an impact on the Gulf. This is especially important after a cold spell in relations between some Gulf states, caused by differences in foreign policies that led to the pullout of three ambassadors from Doha. But today the Gulf states are united as is evident from the considerable number of mutual and consecutive visits of GCC leaders. One result of this unity has been the decision to carry out a joint military operation in Yemen.
At the same time, relations between the GCC and some Arab countries, especially with Egypt, are undergoing a change with the identification of new priorities and risks. The GCC states are currently focusing on unification, on developing a clear strategy and strong alliance to confront the rising influence of Iran in the region, with the latter managing to reach four historic Arab capitals —Damascus, Baghdad, Beirut and Sana’a. The Saudi- led intervention is an effort to curb Iran’s influence.
However, differences exist between the GCC and other Arab states in their policies on crises in Syria and Libya. The GCC believes that Bashar Al Assad should have no role in any political solution to the conflict in Syria because he is the root cause of the disaster the country is going through. On Libya, the GCC believes in a political solution, not a military one as suggested by Cairo, which is for establishing an Arab joint force to intervene in Libya.
There are also differences in creating partnerships and coalitions, both regional and international, especially with Turkey and Russia. Despite disputes between Ankara and Cairo, the GCC states announced plans to make $600bn in investment in Turkey in the next 20 years.
Relations with Moscow are still tense as Russia vetoed two resolutions on Yemen at the UN Security Council which were meant to put Yemen under Chapter Seven. This happened after a strongly-worded attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin by the Saudi foreign minister, who accused Moscow of encouraging instability in the Arab region with its support for Assad. The question is whether these changes will make the GCC states the new centre of Arab power and influence, displacing the traditional Arab capitals, on top of which is Cairo.
