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The Israeli Airstrike That Killed Hamas Agents in Doha Triggered an Unprecedented Wave of Tension and Put Qatar in the Spotlight. In Response, Arab and Islamic Leaders Rushed to the Capital of the Country, Where They Discussed Not Only the Immediate Crisis but Also a Possible Redrawing of the Military Balance in the Middle East.
The Israeli airstrikes in Doha, which killed Hamas agents, triggered a wave of tension and placed Qatar in the center of regional attention.
The response came quickly: on September 14, Arab and Islamic leaders gathered in the capital of the country to discuss the episode’s developments.
Emergency Meeting with Arab and Islamic Leaders
The so-called Arab-Islamic summit included representatives from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
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Leaders and foreign ministers from countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iraq, Palestine, and various Gulf nations participated.
The meeting aimed to coordinate a joint response to the attack and discuss ways to contain the escalation of the conflict.
Among the proposals debated, the creation of a joint military coalition stood out, nicknamed by some media outlets as a possible “Arab NATO”.
A Shift in the Axis of Military Suppliers
Although still in the early stages, the idea of a formal military alliance among Arab countries could redraw the defense map of the region.
For decades, the U.S. and Europe supplied the hardware, doctrine, training, and logistical systems that kept Arab militaries operating.
However, the formation of a coalition would require the integration of weapon systems, communications infrastructure, and training, which could pave the way for greater Chinese influence.
China has already become a significant supplier of military equipment to various countries in the Middle East.
The Growing Presence of China in Arab Forces
In the past decade, Chinese manufacturers have sold a wide range of military systems to the Arab world.
In Saudi Arabia, the country operates DF-3 and DF-21 ballistic missiles, as well as armed Wing Loong II drones of Chinese manufacture that were used in Yemen.
The United Arab Emirates pioneered the adoption of the unmanned aerial vehicle CH-4, similar to the American MQ-9 Reaper.
In addition to drones, the Emirates also acquired artillery systems and missiles manufactured by Norinco, increasing their reliance on Chinese technology.
Previous Attempts and the New Chinese Factor
The idea of a joint Arab military force is not new.
In 2015, Egypt proposed the creation of an alliance to operate in Yemen and Libya, receiving verbal support from several countries, but disagreements over leadership and funding stalled the plan.
The difference now lies in external suppliers.
While there used to be a lack of a common technological base, China offers a complete portfolio of hardware—from drones and radars to naval assets—that could sustain the infrastructure of this force.
Obstacles and Needs for Integration
Even if the leaders approve the concept of an Arab military alliance, challenges extend beyond merely supplying weapons.
A coalition would require joint doctrines, unified training cycles, and integrated logistics systems to operate efficiently.
Historically, it has been precisely these non-technical aspects that have hindered regional defense integration initiatives.
Nonetheless, with rising threats ranging from missile attacks to swarms of drones, the need for a shared security platform is increasing.
A Toolkit Ready to Use
The expanding catalog of China’s military export systems, combined with Beijing’s willingness to provide training and financing, offers Arab countries an immediate alternative.
If they decide to move forward, they would have access to a ready-made package of equipment and support to enable the much-discussed “Arab NATO”.
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