Ulterior motives behind border chaos

The misery that is taking place at the Al Ghuwaifat border control point between Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects a bigger problem between the larger and smaller countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Hundreds of trucks being made to wait in line for weeks in the hope of being allowed into Saudi territory is a desperate situation that calls for a stern reaction from the UAE.

Undoubtedly, there is a human element involved as truck drivers are waiting for weeks in the scorching heat without adequate access to food, drink or health care.

And if it had not been for the humanitarian efforts by the UAE border police in the distribution of food and drink, the situation would have been worse.

The delay, say the Saudis, is a result of the paper processing system. Yet this reason is frivolous as well as unwarranted. It is not justifiable to keep so many people and goods stranded at a critical border point for such a long period of time.

And it is irrational to try to manage a border point that functions as an artery in connecting people and countries as if it is a remote entry point. After all, this is a major border crossing point and not a gate to a small village.

On all levels, the manner in which the Saudis have dealt with the situation is unprofessional, ignorant and impractical. As a matter of fact, Saudi Arabia has dealt with the UAE as if it is a bullying big brother that is capable only of threatening, undermining and standing against any interest of its smaller neighbour.

Was it not the Saudis who flooded the UAE market with their goods but did not allow equal access for UAE goods into their own market?

Was it not the Saudis who aggressively flexed their muscles over the years, forcing other GCC countries to accept their terms and conditions on many issues?

One cannot help but suspect that there might be another explanation for the Saudi behaviour at Al Ghuwaifat - something that has nothing to do with logistical or procedural processes.

In fact, it has everything to do with the UAE's withdrawal from the GCC's proposed monetary union. And it is a direct reflection of the big brother mentality that everyone has to bow to. We have always been supportive of GCC integration.

But with the organisation turning into a tool to harm the interests of smaller states, perhaps it is time the UAE re-evaluates the merits of its membership.