Alwaght- Some Persian Gulf monarchies could seek alternative alliances if Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, backed by the US, continue to pursue “stupid” policies that are destabilizing the region, an Omani official has revealed.
Speaking to the Middle East Eye on condition of anonymity, the official said that Muscat could be forced to seek alternative protection if the Saudi-Emirati axis pursued plans to break away from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC), and expressed concerns about the continuing blockade of Qatar which has plunged the PGCC into crisis.
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi earlier this month announced plans for a separate political and military alliance and withdrew their officials from a PGCC summit meeting in Kuwait. Bahrain has also sided with the Saudis and the Emiratis.
“What do you think will happen if the Saudis and the Emiratis go it alone? The other states will look elsewhere for protection,” the official said, referring to Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, the PGCC states outside the Saudi-led bloc.
When asked to clarify which countries he meant, he said the options could include Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional rival with whom Oman maintains diplomatic ties, and India, which has a strong trade relationship with the Persian Gulf states.
According to the source, if Saudi and Emiratis go ahead with their own cooperation pact, the PGCC will experience a kind of super Brexit – or, as he put it, a “break-it”.
