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GCC takes first step towards reconciliation

A task well begun, but there’s still a big deal to be done.

The emphasis on cooperation and unity by leaders at the ongoing 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Saudi Arabia after fissures with Qatar emerged four years ago is a step towards reconciliation. The final contours of a deal to end the crisis is hard to predict at this juncture. But the signs are encouraging and go beyond mere symbolism and optics.

First, Saudi Arabia opened land borders and the air space with its estranged neighbour on Monday. Second, top leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, are attending the summit being held at Al Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Third, a US delegation led by Jared Kushner, senior advisor to US President Donald Trump, is present at the high-profile meeting. Fourth, on Tuesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with a warm embrace which said a lot about the chill wearing off between two important members of the GCC, more so amid the pandemic. Officially, the restrictions against Doha has not been lifted, but the stage may have been set for less hardening of stances. “Inclusive summit will lead members to reunification,” said the Saudi crown prince who is better known as MBS. Renewed engagement between heads of Gulf Arab states in these times when people are separated by the dangers posed by a coronavirus shows they are willing to let bygones be bygones. The imbroglio has roiled the region and hurt its interests, pitting brother against brother, while putting a question mark over a shared Arab destiny. The great leap into the future together was shelved and dumped in cold storage. Not anymore. Whatever be the outcome of the meeting of leaders of the six countries that comprise the bloc, the New Year marks a new beginning among these countries who have decided to move forward, and away from the differences that have separated them. “We hope to restore Gulf cohesion and are keen to ensure that the security, stability and prosperity of our countries and people are the first priority,” said Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Reunification and cohesion are not just words being bandied about this summit. Leaders are clear that unity at this critical phase is important. The bloc is, in fact, the most influential in the Arab world, and its clout far exceeds that of the Arab League since its inception in 1981. A larger union like the EU has been envisaged, even a currency while recognising the sovereignty of every country in the bloc. This summit keeps the focus on common culture, social ties and trade while countering threats from state and non-state actors in the region.

A task well begun, but there’s still a big deal to be done.