CAIRO, (HAN) — Egypt is reportedly preparing to deploy 20,000 troops as part of a broader initiative to establish a unified Arab military force, modeled on NATO’s structure. The plan, which has been under discussion among Arab nations for several months, is said to include a clause similar to NATO’s Article 5, obligating member states to collective defense: if one nation is attacked, all members are expected to respond.
The move comes amid growing security concerns in the Gulf region, where several nations fear that the United States may not fully guarantee the protection of Israel, a key strategic partner. By bolstering regional military cooperation, Egypt and other Arab states aim to fill what they perceive as a potential security vacuum, asserting greater strategic autonomy in the process.
Leaders of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League are scheduled to meet in Doha tomorrow to discuss the proposal. Reports indicate that the alliance could expand to include additional countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Malaysia, all of which have established defense industries and experience in arms production, according to Ma’an News Agency.
Regional analysts suggest that the proposed military alliance could significantly reshape the Middle East’s security landscape, marking a major step toward a collective Arab defense capability. Such a framework would allow member states to coordinate more effectively against shared threats, ranging from terrorism to regional conflicts.
Egypt, home to one of the largest and most influential militaries in the Arab world, is viewed as the driving force behind the initiative. Officials say Cairo is using its regional influence to rally support among neighboring nations, presenting itself as the cornerstone of a unified defense strategy.
International observers are closely monitoring the Doha summit, with analysts noting potential implications for U.S. influence in the Gulf and broader regional stability. If successfully implemented, the alliance could serve as both a deterrent against external threats and a platform for military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint training exercises among Arab nations.
