Muslim Summit: Iran, Trump Take Center Stage

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Muslim Summit: Iran, Trump Take Center Stage

The 2023 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw a complex mix of geopolitical tensions and regional dynamics play out on the world stage. With a focus on unity and cooperation within the Muslim world, the summit also highlighted the ongoing struggles against terrorism, poverty, and Islamophobia. However, two prominent figures, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and former US President Donald Trump, cast long shadows over the event, adding further layers of complexity to an already fraught landscape.

Raisi's Absence and the Shadow of Iran

Despite being invited, Iranian President Raisi did not attend the summit, citing scheduling conflicts. However, his absence was widely seen as a deliberate snub by Riyadh, with many observers interpreting it as a sign of the ongoing animosity between the two regional powers. Iran, the only country outside the OIC with observer status, has been a persistent source of friction for Saudi Arabia, particularly due to their rivalry in the Middle East and their support for opposing sides in the Syrian civil war. The lack of Iranian participation further highlighted the deep divisions within the Muslim world, raising concerns about the ability of the OIC to act as a unified voice.

Trump's Intervention and the American Factor

Adding to the intrigue, former US President Donald Trump, who is known for his controversial foreign policy decisions, unexpectedly appeared at the summit via video link. His speech, focused on promoting his own agenda and emphasizing his commitment to "standing with the Muslim world," was met with mixed reactions. Some viewed it as a blatant attempt to re-engage with the Middle East and undermine the current US administration. Others saw it as a reminder of the lingering influence of Trump's policies on the region, particularly regarding the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries.

Challenges and Opportunities

The OIC Summit highlighted the significant challenges facing the Muslim world, including:

• Internal Divisions: Deep political and ideological divides among member states continue to hamper the OIC's effectiveness.
• Economic Disparity: Wide economic disparities and poverty remain widespread, creating social tensions and hindering development efforts.
• Terrorism and Extremism: The OIC must continue to combat terrorism and extremism, both domestically and internationally.
• Islamophobia: Rising Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims globally require a concerted response from the OIC.

Despite these challenges, the summit also presented opportunities for progress, including:

• Promoting Dialogue and Cooperation: The OIC provides a platform for member states to engage in dialogue and find common ground.
• Addressing Shared Concerns: The summit underscored the need for collective action to address issues like poverty, education, and healthcare.
• Enhancing Global Influence: A unified and empowered OIC can have a greater impact on the global stage, advocating for the interests of the Muslim world.

Conclusion

The 2023 OIC Summit highlighted the complex geopolitical landscape of the Muslim world. While Iran's absence and Trump's intervention added further layers of complexity, the summit also offered a platform for discussion and potential cooperation. Ultimately, the OIC's success in addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world will depend on its ability to overcome internal divisions, foster unity, and promote a shared vision for the future.