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Muslim alliance has best chance against terror

The GCC and Muslim states are adding muscle to their foreign policies with a grand alliance against terror after prolonged conflicts in the Middle East. The reluctance of traditional ally the United States to get involved in regional battles against extremist groups is the reason for this shift in strategy. The GCC intervened in Bahrain during the political crisis four years ago and recently in Yemen against the Houthi rebels. But Monday's coming together of 34 Islamic countries against terror networks shows they mean business and will not tolerate any form of violent extremism.
This robust policy does not shy away from intervention in troubled hotspots like Syria and Iraq. This would mean sending ground troops into these areas if the situation demands it. The UAE has tackled terrorism on its own and its role in such an alliance would give more teeth to global efforts against groups like Daesh and Taleban. In Africa, there is Boko Haram and Al Shabaab to tackle. This is a fight on many fronts and involves better military coordination, intelligence sharing and surveillance. It would also mean dealing with the extremist, apocalyptic ideology advocated by groups like Daesh.
The war against terror is first about winning hearts and minds. Muslim states are better positioned to win the ideological war against different terrorist groups. The diplomatic option comes next, and a common front will send out the message that terror in all forms will be rejected by these countries. If nothing works, the military option could be exercised, which will include air and ground campaigns.
Western intervention in Syria and Iraq have only compounded their problems. Russia has played a major role in propping up President Assad. Iraq is a mess while Libya is struggling to find its feet.
This alliance could succeed where others have failed because there is convergence of interests and thought. The countries are from the region, share the language, religion, and know its politics. Unlike the US and other Western powers, they will be viewed as liberators, not occupiers. But the challenges are great because terrorism is a threat that concerns us all. We are certain the Arab and Islamic grand alliance will deliver.