European Journal of Scientific Research (ISSN: 1450 ... - EuroJournals

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28 © European Journal of Scientific Research, Vol 7, No 5, 2005 conference did' not bear any fruit, there were instances of economic and industrial cooperation. For example, in 1976, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Iraq formed the Gulf Ports Authority and in 1979, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia incorporated the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company to establish a petroleum byproducts industry. The specific genesis of the GCC is generally traced to a 1976 proposal made by Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad A Sabah who at the time was the crown prince and prime minister of Kuwait. The Kuwaiti Prime Minister toured the Gulf countries to discuss joint action to "preserve the region's security and stability in the face of political, economic and security challenges threatening this strategic area" and proposed the establishment of the Gulf Union with the main objective of "realizing cooperation in all economic, political, educational and informational fields" (Sandwich, 1987). While the representatives from the six states enthusiastically agreed in principle to the benefits and necessity of regional cooperation, negotiations proceeded for the next five years. In the period from 1979 to 1980, a number of forces in the external political and security environments slowed the momentum to form the Gee. First, the Iranian Revolution and Tehran's declared intention to export that revolution raised Gulf member's concerns over both external security and domestic stability. The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and U.S. pledge to apply force in the event of any foreign power's attempt to control the Gulf region further raised both external security concerns, and issues related to foreign domination: In 1980, the outbreak of war between Iran and Iraq formed yet another impetus for cooperation (Dunn, 1996). Although driven primarily by political and defense concerns and unlike the EU, the six member states of the GCC took care to focus their agreement on economic concerns. In constructing their Charter, the GCC members considered two contrasting proposals. One proposal from Oman emphasized security and defense needs and recommended a defense partnership with the United States; Another proposal from Kuwait, while stressing the need to defend their independence and territorial integrity, emphasized economic cooperation. In the end, the ministers adopted the Kuwaiti proposal with only minor modifications. There was a specific rejection of the Omani proposal to forge a militarydefense alliance with the U.S.; while the GCC founders readily acknowledged the impossibility of defending the Gulf without outside assistance, they resolutely stopped short of surrendering defense policy to a foreign power (Anthony, 1996). Thus, while clearly inspired by defense considerations, the GCC formed its alliance around principles of economic integration and cooperation. The basic objectives of the GCC, as set forth in Article 4 of the GCC Charter were as follows (Sandwich, 1987): To implement coordination, integration and interconnection among member states in all fields in order to achieve unity among them. To deepen and strengthen relations, links and scopes of cooperation in various fields now prevailing among their peoples. To formulate similar procedures, rules and regulations in various fields, including: a) Economic and financial affairs b) Commerce, customs and communications
© European Journal of Scientific Research, Vol 7, No 5, 2005 c) Education and culture d) Social and health affairs e) Information and tourism f) Legislative and administrative affairs To stimulate scientific and technological progress in the fields of industry, mineralogy, agriculture, water and animal resources; to establish scientific research centers; to implement joint projects and encourage cooperation by the private sector for the good of their peoples. These general Charter Objectives were detailed and specified in the Unified Economic Agreement, signed by the GCC heads of state in November 1981, in the immediate aftermath of the creation of the GCC. The objectives of the Unified Economic Agreement are similar to those of the European Single Market Act. The Agreement calls for the establishment of a customs union, a common external tariff, harmonization of regulations and standards; coordination of oil prices; coordination of policies on labor, industry, and technology; a cooperative approach to transportation, investment, and monetary policy. Although there was an initial proposal to include the development of a common currency (made by Kuwait), this has thus far received little support (Anthony, 1988). Although there was initially no. mention of a common defense strategy in the GCC agreement, in 1983, the member states agreed to begin building a common defense force. In October of 1983, the GCC mel11bers announced the creation of its own "Rapid Deployment Force" (RDF). Called the "Peninsula Shield," and based in Saudi Arabia, the defense program included 10,000 troops and aimed at providing a sense (if not,. as many Gulf States recognized; a reality) of collective security in the face of multiple regional and international threats. The ultimate objective of the Peninsula Shield (which has since been expanded, in technology, if not in manpower) was t6 act as a deterrent against regional aggressors. (e.g., Iraq, Iran, and possibly Syria) and serve as notice to the Superpowers that the Gulf states preferred to leave the control of their defense system in the hands of nationals. Again, the Rapid Development Force proved ineffective during the Gulf war. GCC: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE In establishing the objectives and organizational framework for the GCC, its members benefited not only from the lessons (and successes) of Europe and the EU, but also the many failed past attempts at Arab integration (e.g., the United Arab Republic, the Maghreb Permanent Consultative Committee, and the Confederation of Arab Republics). From the former, the GCC learned the potential benefits of focusing on economic integration first and from the latter, the GCC learned the inherent dangers of attempting any type of rapid political integration (Anthony, 1996). The organizational structure and functions of the GCC are rooted in indigenous political values, the Islamic faith, and traditional local skills and approaches. The organizational structure reflects the bureaucratic, authoritarian construct of the member states national governments and the operational parameters reflect the cultural bias towards consultation, consensus building, gradual or little change, and respect for "individual" sovereignty and 29
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