Islamic countries should seek peace and prosperity jointly

 

People inspect the site of reported Israeli bombardment on tents sheltering Palestinians displaced from Beit Lahia at a camp in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on December 25, 2024. [AFP]

As a student of international relations with decades at the forefront of global diplomacy, I write this not as a representative of the Iranian government but solely in my personal capacity. My experiences have taught me that achieving stability in West Asia, particularly the Persian Gulf region, requires more than mere crisis management. It demands bold, visionary initiatives. I propose the establishment of a Muslim West Asian Dialogue Association (MWADA) as the mechanism to achieve this transformation.

MWADA should invite all core Muslim countries in West Asia—Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, (the future government of) Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen—to engage in comprehensive negotiations. Relevant envoys from the United Nations can take part too. This initiative should be grounded in the sublime values of our common religion, Islam, and on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-intervention and collective security. MWADA, meaning “amity” in Arabic—the language of our collective prayers—ought to aim to foster peaceful coexistence and equitable partnerships.

A key priority is the establishment of immediate sustainable, permanent ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. A non-aggression pact among MWADA states, coupled with collective regional monitoring, will help institutionalise stability and protect the region from external interference as well as from internal strife.

Economic integration is also central to the vision. The lack of interdependence within West Asia stems from fragmented trade networks, insufficient attention to the development of intra-regional banking and payment mechanisms, political rivalries and a reliance on external markets. A proposed MWADA Development Fund can finance critical infrastructure projects, particularly in devastated post-conflict areas. Additionally, governance reforms in Syria—as a basis for economic assistance—will promote accountability and lay the groundwork for a safe and stable country where women and minorities can thrive.

Post-Assad Syria presents a major challenge to us all. Unbridled Israeli aggression disregarding Syrian sovereignty, foreign interference undermining Syrian territorial integrity, horrifying scenes of violence and brutality reminiscent of Islamic State savagery, and ethnic and sectarian violence—which may lead to an all-out civil war—require the immediate attention of the proposed MWADA.

The humanitarian disaster in Palestine also remains critical for regional stability. MWADA must prioritise Palestinian self-determination and support just solutions while fully respecting the aspirations of the people. This should involve not just political solutions but also economic opportunities and the recognition of Palestinian rights.

MWADA will provide fertile ground for infrastructure projects, from transport to energy pipelines and telecommunication networks. These will facilitate not only the movement of goods but also the exchange of energy, information and services.

Mr Javad is Iran's vice president