Israel’s attack on Qatar sparks call for Islamic NATO; Egypt, Iran, Iraq show support

Israel’s strike on Qatar has triggered a rare show of Muslim unity. Egypt proposes a NATO-style alliance; Iran and Iraq back the idea, but regional rivalries may pose major hurdles.

New Delhi: After the attack on Qatar by Israel on September 9, a tremendous reaction was seen in Muslim countries. This is the first time that unity is being seen in Muslim countries on such a large scale. In response to this attack, an emergency summit was organized in Doha, the capital of Qatar, in which almost all Muslim-majority countries participated.

Israel's increasing aggression in the Middle East

In this summit, mainly Israel's increasing military activities and aggressive policies in the Middle East were discussed. Egypt took a tough stand on this and clearly said that if such an attack happens on their country, they will also retaliate. Egyptian intelligence sources also say that Egypt could be Israel's next target. In such a situation, Egypt has warned that it will consider any attack as the beginning of a war.

Proposal of a military alliance like NATO for Muslim countries

In a major initiative to deal with this situation, Egypt has suggested Muslim countries form a military alliance on the lines of NATO. The objective of this alliance will be that if any country attacks a Muslim nation, then this organization can respond to that attack together. Egypt has described the attack on Qatar as part of a big strategic conspiracy.

Iran and Iraq expressed support

This proposal of Egypt has received the support of Iran and Iraq. Both these countries believe that now the time has come when Muslim countries should unite and work on a collective defense strategy.

Arduous to implement

However, there are many political and religious differences in the way of this plan. Shia-Sunni tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been going on for years. There are differences between Turkey and some Arab countries regarding the Muslim Brotherhood. The strong ties of many Muslim countries with the US and Western countries can also become a hindrance in the path of this alliance.

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Will an Islamic NATO be formed?

Turkey wants to play a leadership role in this alliance, while Saudi Arabia considers itself the natural leader of Islamic countries. This kind of competition also puts a question mark on the success of this initiative.

Experts believe that unless all Muslim countries work with a common strategy and a common purpose, it will not be possible to form an effective organization like NATO. The Israeli attack on Qatar has shocked the Muslim world and forced them to unite.

Egypt's initiative is a big step, but its success will depend on the will and unity of countries that have been divided into different camps for years.