His Masters’ Voice: Expanding the Security Council
Indonesia is a large country….but it is too far away from the ‘center’….
Pakistan is a big nuclear country…but it has been unstable……
Turkey is a big powerful country, but its membership in NATO and allowing the use of (Incirlik Base to bomb Iraq and Afghanistan has reduced its credentials……
Egypt is a big and historically leading Arab country, but the huge population increase has weakened its economy, so has its unilateral peace with Israel…
Iran is not qualified because of its policies and its sectarian leanings (Arab code for meaning they are Shi'as).....”
So who is left? For a moment there I thought he was going to suggest Bahrain for permanent membership in the Security Council, but no; surprisingly he chose Saudi Arabia.
There might be one Arab country that qualifies for the job (no, it's not Libya), but maybe not. I doubt that any Middle East country will become a permanent member of the Council. Such a step would be quite irresponsible on the part of the international community.
BTW- speaking of Turkey and the invasion of Iraq: didn’t Turkey refuse to give the U.S access for the invasion, and didn't Saudi Arabia, all the Gulf states, Jordan, and others participate in the invasion of Iraq whether directly or through support and facilities??
I don't like all this rewriting of history that is in the Gulf media these days.
As for instability, what if petroleum prices go back to the levels of the 1990s, say US$10-15? I hope it does not happen; but what if?
Cheers and Ramadan Kareem
mhg
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