OTHER than the concept of the ummah, there is very little that binds the world’s Muslim-majority states together, especially in the realm of geopolitics. This is particularly true in the Middle East, where regional powers Saudi Arabia and Iran have divergent views on nearly all the major questions of the day. Perhaps this lack of unity is best exemplified by the state of the OIC, an organisation that is today known more for its languidness and anodyne statements regarding the state of the Muslim world than for effective cooperation. In such an atmosphere, does the Iranian suggestion calling for Muslim states to form a united bloc against terrorism hold any promise? Speaking at a conference recently, speaker of the Iranian Majlis Ali Larijani called for Muslim states — his own, along with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq and Pakistan — to form a bloc that would tackle, amongst other things, the threat of terrorism. Considering the fraught relations that Riyadh and Tehran have been experiencing over the past few decades, this suggestion is welcome as Mr Larijani assured the Saudis that Iran was not “their enemy”. These remarks come in the aftermath of recent statements issued by the Gulf Arab states in which they accused Iran of “destabilising” the region, as well as questionable observations by the British prime minister about the need to counter the Iranian “threat”, whilst on a visit to the Gulf.

The biggest difference between Iranian and Saudi regional policy is, of course, over Syria and Yemen, where both states have supported opposing factions in brutal conflicts. Iran’s statement that it is opposed to “warmongering in Syria and Yemen” should be followed up by efforts by Tehran and Riyadh to bring these horrible conflicts to a negotiated close. More than the external powers, if the Saudis and Iranians can decide on a modus vivendi for the region, the current wave of violence and hate engulfing the Middle East can be contained. This may seem like a naive hope at the moment, but both capitals need to show boldness and statesmanship to bring peace. One common enemy both Iran and Saudi Arabia share is the militant Islamic State group; perhaps countering this terrorist outfit can become a point of unity for both. It is high time Muslim states turned noble intentions into achievable goals.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2016