“With this [Arab and Islamic] absence and inability, it would not be acceptable later to talk about the decline of the Arab and Islamic role or to criticize the American and Western presence.”
Gragash’s remarks reflect growing frustration in Gulf states with what are perceived as largely symbolic or rhetorical reactions from Arabs and Muslims, which have often stopped short of implementing concrete measures or strategies for deterrence.
Gargash’s criticism signals that the Arabs of the Gulf states have begun questioning the reliability of traditional Arab solidarity.
That may well be why some have already begun adjusting by moving closer to security cooperation with non-Arab partners — including the US and Israel — considering more independent military responses, and preparing for a scenario where they must act alone.
For Gulf leaders watching their skies light up with incoming projectiles, the lack of a response from many Arab and Islamic countries to the Iranian attacks does not constitute an act of solidarity; it is abandonment and betrayal.
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