Iyad Madani

The foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states are likely to discuss the deteriorating security situation in Iraq at their two-day meeting in Jeddah starting tomorrow.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the meeting. Most of the foreign ministers or the deputies of 56 of the 57 members of the OIC have confirmed their participation. Syria has been suspended from the organization.

According to credible sources, Iraq was not on the agenda of the meeting. “The agenda is sent to the respective members in advance for consent and since the Iraq meltdown occurred only three to four days ago, it was not on the list of items to be discussed at the Jeddah meeting,” sources told Arab News.

However, in view of what has happened, “Iraq will most likely” be taken up at the meeting.

The sources confirmed that an Iraqi delegation would participate, but said it was still not clear if it would be headed by Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

The meeting has evoked considerable interest because it is being hosted by regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, OIC Secretary General Iyad Madani expressed concern over the situation in Iraq, especially the events in Mosul over the past few days.

He called on the Iraqi leadership to take steps to solve this critical situation because it may have serious consequences for the security and stability of the whole region.

Madani called on all Iraqi parties to hold talks to achieve real and comprehensive national reconciliation. He reiterated the OIC’s willingness to support these efforts with regional and international parties.

All members of the Arab League are also members of the OIC. Arab League
Secretary-General Nabil El-Arabi confirmed in Cairo that foreign ministers of the member states would meet on the sidelines of the OIC summit to chart the next course of action on Iraq.

Addressing an extraordinary meeting of the permanent representatives of the Arab League in Cairo, El-Arabi expressed deep concern at the escalating attacks on the Iraqi people.

The meeting of OIC foreign ministers has not enthused political observers.

“This (OIC) meeting is going to be of no use because people have little trust in these organizations,” said prominent political analyst and columnist Hussein Shobokshi.
“They only indulge in rhetoric.”

He said the situation in Iraq demands a robust response “not merely statements.”

Despite all the criticism, the OIC remains the only collective voice of Muslims in the diplomatic world.