Global Disorder & The Urgent Need for Muslim Unity — Page 18
8 HIS HOLINESS MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD Even if the Arab countries faced any threats, it was largely ones formed by these very powers themselves; otherwise, there was no inherent dan- ger faced by the Muslim countries. In any case, these bases were established to maintain their dominance in the region. They sought to maintain supremacy not only over the non-Islamic world but also over the Islamic world. Iran had long been a source of concern and apprehension for them, and due to differences in doctrine, some Muslim countries were also opposed to Iran. These other powers exploited the situation. Since Iran had adopted a much stricter policy against Israel, the other powers deemed it appropriate to control Arab countries and estab- lish bases there to ensure Israel's protection and to intimidate Iran through their ongoing presence. The reality has now become quite apparent. We have witnessed the consequences of what eventu- ally transpired as a result of these bases. Arab coun- tries became potential targets and their economies were damaged. Countries possessing oil wealth or those that attract tourism have been negatively affected. This state of affairs has benefited those same