I still see the Arab Gulf states as the most cohesive model and the most capable of development, gradual and calm change, and administrative, social, and cultural reform in the Arab world, amid a turbulent regional environment.

There are angry demonstrations in Iran due to deteriorating living conditions, and there are sharp political disputes over the formation of the government in Iraq, amid disagreements between political currents over who the next prime minister will be and the challenges he will face, first and foremost extending the full authority of the state, limiting weapons to state security institutions only, and reducing corruption and political clientelism.

This is especially true given that Iraqi citizens find themselves in an oil-rich country with several economic assets and a cultural history to be proud of yet suffering from a major decline in the performance of state institutions.

There is also Yemen, where serious efforts are being made to reach a political consensus among its various leaderships in order to advance a peaceful path that puts an end to violence, contributes to solving problems, and leads to practical, acceptable, and sustainable understandings and agreements.

Gaza and the West Bank both suffer daily due to Israel's ongoing occupation, killing of civilians, and blockade aimed at pushing Palestinians to leave their lands and choose a replacement homeland, as Tel Aviv believes that a Palestinian state poses a threat to it, and it is strategically advantageous for it to keep the Palestinian tragedy as it is!

Syria as well, despite broad Gulf support and an Arab and regional umbrella, still faces serious challenges, whether from repeated Israeli attacks and continued occupation, or from internal disagreements among Syrian components, most recently the clashes between government forces and the SDF.

Lebanon is also not in a better condition. Israel continues its occupation and violations of sovereignty, its operations cause civilian casualties, and it threatens a looming war that could erupt at any moment. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government finds itself less effective and less able to keep all weapons in its own hands alone, amid deep divisions between sects and political parties entrenched along fixed lines of confrontation.

Sudan, Libya, Somalia... none of them are in a better condition, as there are wars, division, massive waste of resources, displacement, and grave humanitarian violations. We must also not forget the terrorist organizations active in the Middle East and Africa, as well as armed militias and the fundamentalist rhetoric they always promote, which are serious challenges that must not be overlooked.

All of this clearly indicates that the Gulf Cooperation Council states are surrounded by flaming belts of fire in the region, and that it is wise for activists on social media to take these dangers into account. They must pay attention to the harm caused by inflammatory rhetoric that stirs resentment and hatred, deepens divisions, and tears apart Gulf societies, at a time when the Arab Gulf needs approaches marked by awareness, calm, and foresight that address disagreements through their official and legal channels which must be respected and adhered to, and through practical methods that lead to results serving the security, stability, development, and interests of the Gulf states and their peoples.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Annahar