Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — The Arab League has been urged to act against Iran,
accused of undermining regional security.

Arab League interior ministers heard briefings of Iranian efforts to
destabilize such members as Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Several of the
ministers appealed to the GCC to act against Teheran, particularly amid the
Shi’ite revolt in Bahrain.

“This requires an Arab stance that is more than condemnation — to take
active measures to protect Arab security through the protection of the
security of member countries,” Bahrain Interior Minister Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said.

In an address to Arab interior ministers on March 13 in the Saudi
capital Riyad, Al Khalifa reviewed Iran’s efforts to harm Bahrain. He said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was involved in training and supporting Shi’ite insurgents.

“Bahrain has witnessed acts of vandalism, blocking of roads and attacks
on policemen,” Al Khalifa said. “These acts went beyond rioting and violence and turned to complete terror crimes. Police forces are dealing with armed groups and not peaceful rallies.”

On March 8, a Kuwaiti newspaper said the GCC was preparing for a
crackdown on Iranian supporters. A-Siyassa said GCC states were drawing up lists of
thousands of Lebanese and other nationals targeted for deportation.

“More efforts are needed to enhance community awareness giving priority
to security,” Al Khalifa said. “Today, the priority for Arab countries is to
stop bloodshed and close the doors on threats.”

The Arab ministers, in their first direct accusation, said Iran was
helping “terrorist operations” in Bahrain and Yemen. In a statement, the
ministers urged Arab states to bolster counter-insurgency cooperation,
including extradition and blocking insurgency financing.

Arab Interior Ministers Council director Mohammed Kuman, a Saudi
national, said members must also address insurgency recruitment over the
Internet and social media. Kuman acknowledged that Arab states were unable to control
on-line recruitment.

“Extremist thought on social networks has resulted in a major increase
in terrorist acts, political assassinations and sectarian conflicts,” Kuman
said. “As it has become impossible to control the content of social
networks, it is important to produce counter-speech. Ideas can only be
fought by ideas.”

  Arab League calls on Gulf states to act, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammed Kuman, not just condemn Iran, Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Kahlifa, Shi’ite insurgents