The GCC’s Strategic Choice of Peace
Since February 28, when war broke out in the region, and Iran retaliated by attacking the Gulf countries, not one GCC country has hit back at Iran. Not one. The six countries have employed a strategy of defense. Six countries could attack and inflict severe damage on Iran, but they chose not to attack, even in the face of constant missile and drone attacks in hotels, residential areas, airports, and infrastructure sites.
When Iran was attacked over a week ago, the majority of people in Gulf countries were saddened. But mere hours later, when the Gulf countries were in turn attacked by Iran, sentiments changed. And since then, the Gulf countries remain on high alert, and thrust into a war they did not even want to be a part of, flabbergasted by Iran’s lack of compassion for the lives of its neighbors.
A Testament to Resolve
It takes a lot of resolve to not fight back. In fact, peace is a greater gamble than war in our dangerous and unstable world. But the GCC countries have chosen peace over war. And we do not send people to blow themselves up and kill those who attack us. We do not encourage military personnel to infiltrate aggressors and foment chaos. When you hear Allahu Akbar in the Gulf, it is from the speakers calling people to prayer. Allahu Akbar is never used to kill another soul. And when it is used in that manner, or when sleeper cells are discovered, terrorists and their supporters face justice. There is no tolerance for terrorism even under the guise of a shared ideology.
A Commitment to Security Over Aggression
And in this war, the governments and the majority of people in the Gulf have proved there is no desire to plunge ourselves into a dangerous conflict. We care more about security than proving ourselves to be a tough opponent. And while Iran is being attacked, there are no high-pitched ululations in the streets glorifying the torture of innocent civilians and children in Iran, even while Iran continues to attack us mercilessly. Because murder is murder in all religions and in secular thought. A true human heart bleeds for all mankind and suffers even when the so-called enemy’s people are suffering.
The Path to Global Peace
When we realize war hurts the entire world, war will cease to exist. Even when a government is evil, people are people. And we should never hate one another. Governments come and go, dictators fall. But people are people. And we need to learn to get along even while our governments are at war with one another. But in a region where Muslims are killing fellow Muslims in the sacred month of the Islamic calendar, teachings of peace and harmony can only be found buried beneath sand-dunes of antagonism and hatred.
A Proud Stand for Peace
In the meantime, the GCC countries should be proud. And they should continue with their strategy of defense. Because peace is always a choice. And war should never be a resort, not even a last resort. Unfortunately, we live in an unsafe world where countries go to war to protect themselves and others. And we will continue to see war as a viable option, because humanity is sick and diseased. And we do not even realize it. When we salute soldiers on their way to massacre others, when we worship our flags, when we idolize bloodthirsty dictators, when we exclude others from man-made borders, war will always exist.
A World Created for All
Earth was created for all of us. And Earth was created without borders and with resources for everyone. But what did we do? We divided the land, robbed resources from one another, exploited one another, enslaved one another and manifested nationalistic ideals to placate our collective ego. And so, war will continue to exist because we are manifesting war by hating the so-called other. The day we see fellow humans in place of enemies, the day we recognize the spark of life within all, peace will become a reality. Until then, we have to brace ourselves for instability and tragedy.
A Lesson for the World
The world can learn a lot from the GCC today. It can learn that when we are attacked, we can pause and ensure we do not contribute further to the world’s instability. We do not have to immediately go into attack mode and add to bloodshed. We do not have to further endanger our population by encouraging members of our population to kill the so-called other. We do not have to sanction terrorism to satiate our desire for bloodthirsty revenge. The GCC countries have chosen not to respond to Iran, and hopefully they can serve as an inspiration to many other countries across the globe who feel that their only option is war, war, war.
A Call for Peace
It is time to stop blaming one another and inviting one another to peace. And when any aggressor is ready to make peace, we can put behind any given tragic chapter and make peace. Because peace in and of itself is grand, but peace after war is also grand, because it takes strength to choose love after fighting and say: Enough! We can turn the whole world holy by releasing all ancient hatreds and basking in present love. All it takes is a shift in consciousness. Here and now.
