It is only natural that politicians will differ amongst themselves over a particular topic, depending on their affiliations to this party or that, or to a certain sect, tribe or country. This, especially if these countries are hostile to each other.

The differences between these groups are, in reality, disagreements over interests, whether private or public.

A cunning politician is one who is able to change any disagreement to his benefit or to the benefit of those he represents, without much regard for ethics or values. In the world of politics, there is no place for values and scruples, save in the media, in front of cameras.

A crafty politician is also able to change his colours, go through a metamorphosis and appear in different forms to convince others of his point of view, especially at press conferences and international forums. Moreover, and by the virtue of his profession, this politician is creative in the formulation of phrases; these absolve him of all responsibility for any of his statements. And he also has the ability to make statements that have dual meanings or to back down from any statement that may not serve his purpose or his current interests.

This is due to the fact that the conflict between politicians is essentially based on conflicting interests. And, if there is no interest in raising the issue, then a wise politician will not touch upon the problem as there is no tangible gain.

Politicians who have assumed senior posts in the system often refrain from debating or clashing over or even talking about problems. They also guard against being seen on debating forums, as they manipulate these debates from behind the scenes, leaving controversies to others. Only when the discussion reaches a stage that is in their favour do they show up as leaders of a political bloc to sign or ratify the agreement as victors.

In the Gulf society, there are no conflicting interests between the people of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In fact, the people of the region belong to one nation, one religion, one heritage and tradition.

They also have a long history together — researchers and genealogists have found that the Arabs of the Arabian peninsula, living on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in the north and the south, belong to the same tribes and clans that wandered in the desert and towards the sea in search of livelihood. If any dispute arose between them they would resort, according to their customs and traditions, to their elders to resolve misunderstandings in a single council hearing.

A phase of disagreement

In the second decade of the 20th century, after the discovery of oil in the region, the British and Americans carved up areas of influence in the region. This situation was entrenched especially following the overthrow of Iran’s democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953. As the British left Iran, the US entered through one of their prominent strategists — Norman Schwarzkopf Sr. After this, the region entered a phase of disagreement.

The Americans and the British divided the region and went about defending these borders to protect their interests and that of the oil companies operating in these locations. And although they were in favour of stability in the region, that did not prevent them from stirring some problems to raise their importance in the eyes of the region’s people and showing themselves as their protectors from attacks by others.

This tactic was used to scare the region’s people from presumed demons, which roamed the seas and the desert.

History repeats itself. It seems that Gulf politicians sometimes get involved in the controversies instigated by mobs. In doing so, these politicians distance themselves from wisdom, and get immersed in disputes on the false assumption that they are defending their national interests. Sadly, those interests are mere illusions.

 

Those fighting amongst themselves have become oblivious to the fact that all Gulf interests are common, and that all their wrangling, especially in the media, makes them look feeble. Only the wise among them have kept silent because they realise that the mobs will be drawn to this ridiculous bickering, which is not in anyone’s interests. They do realise that the opportunists will climb the walls of differences.

 

The social fabric of the Gulf is threatened by these differences. Tampering with this fabric in any way represents a fatal error. If the mob and ordinary people are excused for their ignorance, and there are biased people and those who aim to break this social fabric, Gulf politicians do not have an excuse to defend these allegations. Their moral duty is to stand against this sedition.

Dr Khalifa Rashid Al Shaali is an Emirati writer who specialises in legal affairs.