A number of Saudi academics and analysts have praised the agreement reached by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders to back a regional unity proposal made by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The final communiqué of the two-day GCC Summit, which wound up in Riyadh on Tuesday, has realized the ambitions and hopes of GCC citizens, they said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Hamad Bin Abdullah Al-Qadi, a prominent man of letters, said: “The King's proposal stems from his realization that we are living in an age of strong regional and international entities.” He hoped that the proposal will be translated into practice. He said the GCC leaders are aware that the proposal comes from a leader known for his wise decisions and who cares for the well-being and prosperity of the region's people. He said the region is capable of dealing with any challenges because it is in a strategic geographic location and has huge natural resources. Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Naser, a member of the Shoura Council and popular columnist, said the King's proposal will strengthen the GCC member states. Dr. Ali Bin Dabkl Al-Enezi, a Professor of Mass Communication at King Saud University in Riyadh, said the 32nd GCC Summit was successful because the leaders collectively adopted the King's proposal. It will allow the region to face all future challenges. He said it was important to speed up the implementation of the proposal to help tackle developments sweeping the region. Dr. Abdullah Al-Jahlan, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Yamamah Magazine and Secretary General of the Saudi Journalist Association, said King Abdullah had made a historic proposal. He praised the King's ability to identify what is needed by the GCC leaders to face dangers in the region.
