Muslim Unity and the Designs of Great Powers

Summary

• The question that demands serious reflection is whether these calamities are merely the consequences of internal failures or whether external powers have repeatedly exploited Muslim divisions to advance their own strategic interests.
• Pakistan’s armed forces have a constitutional responsibility to defend the country, but lasting security also requires political cohesion, economic strength and cooperation among Muslim states.
• The Gulf states, Pakistan, Iran, Türkiye and other Muslim nations must strengthen consultation, pursue economic partnerships, resolve disputes through dialogue and refuse to allow external rivalries to dictate their relationships.

AI Generated Summary

History is a stern teacher, but nations that refuse to learn from its lessons are condemned to repeat its tragedies. The Muslim world, blessed with immense natural wealth, strategic geography, a common faith and a civilisation that once illuminated the world with knowledge and wisdom, has too often found itself divided, weakened and exposed to the ambitions of powerful nations. The question that demands serious reflection is whether these calamities are merely the consequences of internal failures or whether external powers have repeatedly exploited Muslim divisions to advance their own strategic interests.

The Holy Qur’an offers believers a warning that deserves thoughtful consideration. Allah Almighty declares in Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 51, “O believers! Take neither Jews nor Christians as guardians—they are guardians of each other. Whoever does so will be counted as one of them. Surely Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people”.  This verse is a solemn reminder for Muslims, to remain vigilant about alliances that may compromise the interests of the Muslim community.

The history of the Middle East demonstrates how rivalry, foreign intervention and miscalculation have repeatedly devastated Muslim societies. The Iran-Iraq War, which began with Iraq’s invasion of Iran in September 1980, consumed eight years and inflicted enormous human and economic losses upon both countries. Iraq’s subsequent invasion of Kuwait in 1990 brought another devastating confrontation to the Gulf. These events arose from particular regional ambitions and political calculations, yet outside powers also pursued their own interests amid the resulting instability. The lasting tragedy was that Muslim nations exhausted their resources fighting one another while their populations endured bereavement, displacement and economic ruin.

The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran further complicated the region’s political landscape. Sectarian differences, competing regional ambitions and proxy conflicts created opportunities for external intervention. The United States and other Western powers established extensive security relationships with Gulf monarchies, while the question of Israel’s security remained central to American policy in the Middle East. Such arrangements may be presented as guarantees of protection, but they also create strategic dependencies and give outside powers considerable influence over regional affairs. No nation should ignore the possibility that a protector may simultaneously pursue interests of its own.