Egypt, Gulf Arab allies eye anti-militant alliance

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are discussing the creation of a military pact to take on Islamic militants, with the possibility of a joint force to intervene around the Middle East, The Associated Press has learned. The majority Sunni alliance would also serve as a show of strength to counterbalance their traditional rival, Shiite-dominated Iran. The discussions reflect a new assertiveness among the Middle East’s Sunni powerhouses, whose governments – after three years of post-Arab Spring turmoil in the region – have increasingly come to see Sunni Islamic militants and Islamist political movements as a threat.

It will only be announced when it is ready to go and we have an agreement on everything.

Senior Egyptian official who requested anonymity

Under consideration, according to two Egyptian officials, is the establishment of a core force made up of elite troops with aircraft and access to a pool of intelligence gathered by members of the alliance. Two countries are seen as potential theatres for the alliance to act, senior Egyptian military officials said: Libya, where Islamic militants have taken over several cities, and Yemen, where Shiite rebels suspected of links to Iran have seized control of the capital.

Middle East sunni