Why the Gulf Co-operation Council can’t co-operate

EVERYONE knew this year’s summit of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) would be contentious. But the envoys barely had time for a cup of tea. Since June, three out of six GCC members (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain) have blockaded a fourth (Qatar), cutting ties and trade until it stops backing Islamist groups. Kuwait, the host, hoped to use the summit on December 5th to broker a solution. “We believe that wisdom will prevail,” said the emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, at the opening.

His optimism lasted about 15 minutes before he emerged from a closed-door meeting and abruptly ended the conference, which was meant to last two days. The Kuwaitis felt snubbed: though Qatar sent its emir, other members dispatched mere cabinet ministers. Hours before the summit even began, the UAE announced a new economic and military alliance with Saudi Arabia. It was a clear sign that the GCC’s two most important members think the bloc has outlived its...Continue reading