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US general urges Gulf Arab unity to counter Iran
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – US Central Command chief General
Joseph Votel urged feuding Gulf Arab states on Wednesday to put aside their
differences and unite against Iranian efforts to “destabilise” the region.
“Two of our enduring security threats are present in this region — the
destabilising actions of Iran and violent extremist organisations,” said
Votel, who heads US forces in the Middle East, ahead of a military conference
in Kuwait on Wednesday which is to be attended by Saudi Arabia and its
allies, and their bitter rival Qatar.
Votel said it was “imperative” to “enhance and integrate our capabilities
for our mutual national security interests” and “rise above all the other
aspects”.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia and its allies cut all ties with Qatar,
demanding that their erstwhile ally cut longstanding ties with the Muslim
Brotherhood and take a stronger line with Saudi arch-rival Iran.
The rift has proved a strategic headache for Washington as Qatar provides
the main headquarters in the region for CENTCOM while rival Bahrain is home
to the US Fifth Fleet. Kuwait, which along with Washington has led mediation
efforts in the crisis, has said it is considering US proposals for a regional
alliance to counter Iranian influence.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1745 hrs