ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE (OIC)

Group Members: Waleed Virk Khizer Asif Usman Abid Mohammad Azeem

INTRODUCTION
The

formation of the OIC happened shortly after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Leaders of Muslim nations met in Rabat to establish the OIC on September 25, 1969. Mission is to represent Muslim people and to strengthen cooperation among Member States in political, economic cultural and social fields. The forty-year-old Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is the second largest international body after the UN.

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It

comprises of fifty seven nations spread over four continents. Some experts say the organization has been ineffectual, but they also note its tremendous potential for addressing the issues facing Muslims.

GOALS OF OIC
To

safeguard people of the member states and Muslims. Strengthen Islamic solidarity. Consolidate Cooperation among members states in social, cultural and scientific fields Safeguard the Holy places. Support the struggle of the Palestinian people. Eliminate racial discrimination and all forms of colonialism.

CHALLENGES
Difficultiesin

coordination. Geographically dispersed (Africa, Asia, Middle East, Southeast Asia). Politically diverse. (Islamic Republics, Monarchies, Democracy, Military Dictatorships) National Income differences (Richest like Saudi Arabia and poorest Afghanistan)

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TheunifyingforceisIslam.Aimsto

protecttheIslam fromWesternmaterialism. Palestinian-Israeli crisis, Arab-Israeli crisis, the Bosnian Crisis, Kashmir, Iraq and Afghanistan crisis. 2006, Danish newspaper published offensive cartoons of Prophet Mohammed. OIC took a unified stand on the issue.

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Greatest

challenge is the Sep 11 attacks since 2001.OIC condemned the attacks on US but Iran, Iraq and Syria have also condemned the US.

OICS PASSIVE EXISTENCE: UNFULFILLED DREAMS?

The

Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has come a long way and to nowhere. Muslims forms one third of the worlds population and UN member countries, controlling vast natural resources and strategic waterways. Thus, potential for the OIC to emerge as an influential grouping is indeed tempting.

 The

issue that propelled the Muslim countries to campaign for greater cooperation -- the desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque ( Jerusalem ) is now overshadowed by other interests. After 38 years of existence, OIC remains on the margin of world affairs, even when they concern Muslims and Muslim states. What is then wrong with OIC? Why does such an organization with large membership and geographical diversity has little role in international affairs?

REASONS FOR OICS FAILURE

One

of the most visible failures of OIC is the non-resolution of the Palestinian problem. It remains an issue of contention and dissatisfaction for the Muslim world. The recent Israel-Lebanon conflict again demonstrated this paralysis and the marginalisation of OIC in international affairs.

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The geopolitical diversity and political differences of its members reduced its cohesion and ability to influence in international affairs. A former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohammad remarked that the disparity of support between the economically powerful and politically influential Muslim countries and the less fortunate ones is somewhat glaring. Keen supporters of OIC, such as Pakistan, are poor , politically weak and lacking in economic resources.

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While

the richer and more influential members lack the political will to be in the drivers seat to guide the direction of the OIC. This lack of political strength is further reduced by serious disunity among OIC countries, especially in West Asia. It is now an open secret that the world does not place much importance to OIC in resolving conflicts affecting Muslim countries.

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Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are oil and capital rich But their billions of dollars worth are carted away for investment and safekeeping in Europe and the United States . This high degree of economic and financial dependency of these countries make them vulnerable to European and American domestic and foreign policies thus further reducing their utility in empowering the OIC and elevating it to a respected intergovernmental organization.

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OIC

in many of its summits have produced various action plans intending to increase cooperation in economic, financial and developmental matters. In practice , however, this was hampered by many obstacles. Suggestions to create a common currency for OIC countries trading purposes and for the purpose of switching from the dollar has not materialised .

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Technical

and economic assistance provided in the form of foreign aid to poor countries by better off Muslim countries has failed to make significant impact. This is due to the inability of recipient countries to fruitfully utilise such cooperation. Such is the case of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme to several African countries leaving the donor country with a sense of

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The

weakness of OIC is also surprising when we see that a number of its members are militarily strong. Iran , Pakistan , Egypt , Turkey and Indonesia have large armies , with Iran and Pakistan having nuclear ambition. A number of Muslim countries Malaysia , Pakistan , Bangladesh and Turkey have participated in many of the UN Peacekeeping missions, demonstrating their ability to contribute towards international peace and security.

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However, any suggestion that OIC countries converge towards an alliance with military implication would be politically suicidal. Prevailing circumstances will not allow OIC to develop any form of common security policy or arrangements. Moreover , the event of September 11, 2001 has made Islam, and the Muslim world suspects. Therefore, any attempt on the part of OIC to promote a military cooperation would be seen as threatening to the rest of the world.

CONCLUSION
With all those constraints and more, the OIC thus remains very much an observer in international relations. OIC has been unable to act as a political force and to present a united front in the face of rising challenges of globalization. Due to this the gap between western and islamic civilisations is widening.

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Can the OIC be politically united and economically empowered to make itself relevant? This is a responsibility and commitment that major countries in OIC must be willing to undertake OIC must enhance and consolidate its collective political, economic, strategic and cultural values. While at the same time strive towards greater dialogue, interactions and understanding with other actors on the world stage.

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Without this, OICs existence as an imagined community. Its role as a passive actor in international relations will be ensured. Its relevance and ability to adequately respond to the challenges of the 21st century will be a question.

THANKYOU!