Which of the following is not a member of `Gulf Cooperation Council'?
Iran
Understanding the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The question asks which of the listed countries is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of states of the Arabian Peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf. It was established in 1981 with the aim of enhancing cooperation and coordination among member states.
Member States of the GCC
The current member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council are:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
These six countries share geographical proximity, similar political systems (mostly monarchies), and common cultural and religious heritage.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the options provided and see which ones are GCC members and which one is not:
- Iran: Iran is a country located on the eastern side of the Persian Gulf. It is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Iran has historically had complex relationships with some GCC member states.
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is one of the founding members of the GCC and plays a significant role in the organization.
- Oman: Oman is also a founding member of the GCC.
- Kuwait: Kuwait is another founding member of the GCC.
Based on the official membership of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran is the only country among the options that is not a member.
| Country | GCC Member Status |
|---|---|
| Iran | Not a Member |
| Saudi Arabia | Member |
| Oman | Member |
| Kuwait | Member |
Therefore, the country that is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council is Iran.
Revision Table: Key GCC Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gulf Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf |
| Abbreviation | GCC |
| Established | May 25, 1981 |
| Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Founding Members | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE |
| Purpose | Political and economic cooperation, security coordination |
Additional Information on Regional Cooperation
Understanding regional organizations like the GCC is important for studying international relations and regional geography. While the GCC focuses on Arab states of the Persian Gulf, other regional bodies exist globally with varying memberships and objectives.
The GCC has taken steps towards greater integration, including a common market, a customs union, and discussions about a single currency, although progress varies across these initiatives. Security cooperation is also a key aspect of the GCC's mandate, often related to regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.
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