Untitled - orsam

Sumer is a research assistant at the International Relations Department of the Biga
Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University,
which is located in western Turkey.
Following is the text of the interview with Mr. Sumer:
Q: What are the main factors that destabilize the Persian Gulf region?
A: There are many factors that can be considered the risk factors in the Persian Gulf. As
the first, I can say the external powers that have come from ten thousand kilometers
away from the Persian Gulf and try to bring democracy to this region. This can be
considered the first threat for this region. And the second factor can be the Iranian and
Arab problems. Although they are both Muslim nations, but as we know, there are some
deep and historical problems between Iran and Arab countries. So if we want to create
stability in the Persian Gulf region, first of all we have to deal with external powers, and
then Muslim countries must sit and start to talk about their problems without letting
third parties come to the region and talk about their problems. If they cannot do it and
they cannot talk about their problems, they cannot solve their problems, they can’t make
a secure region in the Persian Gulf, and somebody else from ten thousand kilometers
away may come and try to solve their problems in terms of their profits.
Q: So you are opposed to the presence of extra-regional powers in the Persian Gulf
region?
A: Exactly. As you know, my proposal for the conference is related to the OIC. The OIC is
a very important international organization for the Muslim world. It has more than 55
Muslim and non-Muslim countries that have big Muslim populations like India. If Iran and
Turkey can create a security, stability, and peace council under the umbrella of the OIC, it
will be a unique solution for Persian Gulf security. There is no such council/initiative in
the Persian Gulf for security. Under the umbrella of the OIC, there is a cultural section, an
economic section, and even a tourism section. But stability and security is not one of the
subjects that the OIC is concerned about. It is really interesting but it is a reality. When
Sayfa 40