Rich Gulf Arab dynasties have reacted to upheaval in the Arab world by inviting fellow monarchies Jordan and Morocco to join their club as they seek ways to combat domestic unrest and a perceived Iranian threat. The announcement by leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Tuesday welcoming Jordan and Morocco as prospective members of the oil-producing bloc surprised many in Amman and Rabat, which have not seen themselves as being on a par with the wealthier economies of the Gulf.
Impetus for the closer realignment has been enhanced by mass protests gripping the Arab world that worried autocratic ruling elites about a contagion sweeping their region as former allies Egypt and Tunisia succumbed to popular revolts, analysts say. Sunni Gulf leaders are concerned that Western allies could abandon them and back reforms if protests become widespread enough as they did with their longtime allies Hosni Mubarak and Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
Jordan has long supported U.S.-backed Gulf security arrangements underpinned by fears led by Saudi Arabia of Shi’ite political activity as a channel for Iranian influence.