Information Related to "New Military Might in the Middle East"
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New Military Might in the Middle EastNations that initially formed a common market now move to form a common military. It's a logical and necessary step. But what effect will it have on its members and the rest of the world?by Cecil E. MaranvilleSeveral years ago, six nations joined their economic forces for the sake of creating a free trade zone that would mutually benefit all members. Their combined economic force is an undisputed powerhouse in the world economy. As time progressed, the member states realized that they also needed to give serious consideration to forming a joint military force due to potentially hostile neighbors that threatened the prosperity of their economic community. Like many regions of the world, the member states of this common market depended upon the U.S. military might for protection. However, it became increasingly necessary that the market members invest in developing their own modern military with a focus on becoming independent of the U.S. So far this could appear to be the story of the European Union and a description of the evolution of a European defense force. But this article is not about the politically hot topic of the development of a European army. In actual fact, it refers to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a common market in the Persian Gulf consisting of Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). GCC Secretary-General Jamil I. Alhejailan explains its history and purpose: "The GCC was created in 1981 for many of the same reasons that the European Union was formed. The objective was not to form a military or security alliance aimed at specific external threats, but to create a political and economic community that would strengthen GCC institutions and foster economic growth and development. "Like the European Union (EU), the GCC area has become a single market in which goods, capital, and people can move freely. The creation of common external tariffs and free trade agreements with other economic communities are our next goals. The GCC countries have also achieved a high degree of economic coordination and convergence. Exchange rates between the six member states have remained fixed for more than a decade; inflation rates have converged and the economies follow similar economic cycles" (Middle East Insight Magazine, May-June 1999, "Can the GCC Control Oil Production?"). Read the full article at www.wnponline.org/wnp/wnp9912/military.htmRelated Information on UCG Sites:
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