Iran a Bigger Threat Than Even ISIS

Iran poses a bigger threat to the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries than even the Islamic State or ISIS terrorism. Bahrain is the worst sufferer, according to the Kuwaiti head of Gulf Monitor Group, a retired Kuwait Air Force colonel. And there is a lot of truth in his assessment.

“Terrorism is an isometric threat and we train our men to fight that, but I think the priority threat that the GCC faces today is Iran,” Dr Zafer Al Ajmi told Bahrain daily GDN last week. He was speaking on the sidelines of the second Strategic Gulf Conference on Geopolitical Transformations in the Global Sphere, hosted in Bahrain.

His implication is that while one knows what ISIS stands for, following a policy of brutal force and ruthless terror, Iran as a state, is capable of forming terror groups and sending them to the Gulf. He warns the Gulf states to take the Iranian threats more seriously and act accordingly.

gulf cooperation council flag.
Gulf Cooperation Council flag

Iran has been involved in a long-standing dispute with the United Arab Emirates, occupying its islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs, and since the advent of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 has in varying degrees harassed and tried to brow-beat Bahrain.

But since 2011, when it failed to achieve its goal of regime change in Bahrain through the instrument of its terrorist cells and its minions, it has changed tack and become desperately hostile. There have been many dimensions to this hostility, the most prominent of which has been its support of the Shia Houthi rebels in the poor country of Yemen. It is a move which poses threats to Saudi Arabia as well since it shares a long and porous border with YemenYemen.

Embassies Attacked in Iran

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia’s embassies and consulates were also attacked in Iran and subsequently Kuwait sentenced two Iranian spies, one of them a Kuwaiti national, to death. All of this resulted in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan among other countries, ending or downgrading their diplomatic ties with Tehran.

Kuwaiti prosecutors had accused those convicted of being part of a 26-member “terrorist cell” that had committed acts violating state sanctity, collaborating with Iran as well as Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement to carry out hostile schemes against the emirate. They were also accused of possessing explosives, guns, ammunition and unlicensed eavesdropping devices, with the intention of perpetrating crimes.

Hezbollah Sleeper Cells

Iran-backed terrorist Hezbollah outfit is already believed to have sleeper cells in the GCC countries and according to Dr Al Ajmi, “During the past three years … there has not been a single month without Iranian interference in the Gulf states.”

He also suggested that Iran need to be persuaded to look upon the Arabian Gulf nations as neighbours if not partners, instead of followers or satellite countries and warned that Bahrain faced a strategic threat and its security was crucial for the GCC.

In his view, Iranians were planning to take the northern part of the Gulf by setting up some projects in Shatt Al Arab [dividing Kuwait and Iraq] apart from the occupied islands belonging to the UAE since they wanted to establish a strategic point. In this scenario one had to be concerned about the security of Bahrain among all the GCC countries.

The governments and rulers of the GCC countries are not entirely oblivious to these threats and lately have been closely watching and cooperating on joint defence and security strategies. But it has to be a constant watch and a high degree of vigil.

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Somalia Launches First Youth Football Development Center

Inaugurated by the president of Somali Football Federation, Mr. Ali Abdi Mohamed, the new youth football development center began its operation in the city of Baidoa on Thursday 13th of February 2025.

Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Meets with Indian PM Modi

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence The U.S. Senate confirmed...

Why Is Kendrick Lamar Dissing Drake Now?

Kendrick Lamar and Drake once shared a collaborative spirit, but tensions simmered in 2013 with Lamar's bold verse on "Control." What followed...

The History of Palestine: Ancient Civilizations to Today

From the ancient settlements of Jericho to the emergence of the Canaanites, the origins of Palestine reveal a rich tapestry of cultures. But what mysteries lie hidden in its sands, waiting to be unearthed?

DIY Garden Projects: Creative and Budget-Friendly Ideas

Transform your backyard with stunning DIY garden projects that elevate your outdoor space—yet one unexpected challenge remains...

Omri Hurwitz Media Adds New Clients BridgerPay, Marble Law, Canditech, Among Others

In a world where digital storytelling and media presence...

SFF President Names Election Rival as Referee Committee Chair

In a move described by many as a good...

This History of Hamas: Key Events Explored

As we explore the origins of this organization, a complex picture emerges, leading us to one question: what sparked...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img