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Malek Helali
Doha
THE Gulf citizens found a gap between their aspirations for unity and integration and the social and political reality, and the region needs to create a comprehensive human development plan that prioritises social development and the empowerment of its citizens, according to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al Thani.
HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim further stressed on the importance of establishing a diplomatic, proactive and preventive joint policy among the Gulf States to tackle the challenges facing the region.
The former Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar was addressing an elite audience as part of Qatar University's (QU) Distinguished Lecture Series in Doha on Sunday. He gave a lecture on 'The States of The Gulf Cooperation Council: Regional Challenges and the Future of the Relations with Neighbouring Countries'.
HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim was welcomed by QU President Dr Hassan al Derham, members of QU leadership, government and embassy officials, and local and international media representatives, as well as QU faculty, staff and students.
He highlighted the correlation between the security in the Gulf States and the security in the Arab world noting the impact of the issues that are happening in the Arab world on the security in the Gulf States. He also stated the causes of the conflicts in the countries that witnessed the Arab Spring, which resulted in the collapse of the previous systems and the obstruction of political horizons, as well as numerous revolutions and conflicts between yesterday's allies on authority and power.
He noted that the lack of effective planning and cooperation between the Arab states has led to this reality. He further said:"Iran is the biggest beneficiary of the collapse of Iraq in 2003 and the many revolutions of the Arab Spring. The reaction of the Gulf States towards these issues was not effective enough to deal seriously with the latest developments on the regional and international arena. In this regard, it is necessary to create joint institutions between the Gulf States to offer effective solutions to the economic challenges in the post-gas and oil phase."
HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim also spoke about the ongoing issues in the region touching on Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Syria and Yemen.
Speaking about the Syrian issue, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim highlighted that the Arab initiatives were interrupted by the intervention of international forces and the conflict expanded beyond peaceful solutions as the Security Council and international entities' weakness allowed radical forces planned by the Syrian regime to take over 'destructively'. He stressed that the Middle East cannot be independent or stable if the Syrian conflict isn't solved.
The recent United States reaction to the use of chemical weapons in Syria by striking military bases of the Syrian regime can be interpreted in many ways, according to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, adding that"it could be a message to other world forces as a warning against the use of unconventional weapons, or an internal affair as a statement from the US presidency to the Congress".
On the requirement of fresh strategies in the post-oil era, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said:"The post-oil era requires reforms and new strategies within a true partnership between the GCC countries socially, politically and economically, and away from slogans which do not reflect the reality. The use of social media in attacking each other at a time when we should be supportive of each other is shameful."
In his remarks, Dr Derham welcomed the audience saying:"We are honoured to host HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al Thani to give us today a lecture on the current situation in the region, as well as his vision on the future and the latest regional developments and their impact on the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council."
Dr Derham added:"Through its Distinguished Lecture Series, Qatar University is committed to offer its students a successful experience during their academic journey by providing them with the opportunity to get acquainted with national and international experts in various areas. The organisation is also committed to provide its faculty members, researchers and students with opportunities to get an insight into the experiences of policy and decision makers, which is of the benefit of the university members."
