Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — The Gulf Cooperation Council has decided to locate its new military command in Saudi Arabia.

Officials said the GCC would establish the headquarters of the new joint military command in Riyad.

The officials said GCC leaders agreed to immediately implement its Dec. 10 decision to form a joint command that would operate alongside Peninsula Shield.

“The formation of a joint military command for the GCC states, as well as the establishment of a Gulf academy for strategic and security studies,” a statement at the end of the GCC summit said on Dec. 11 in Kuwait.

Officials said the military command would bolster the GCC’s defense capabilities amid the threat from neighboring Iran. They said the Saudi Arabia, which hosts the 30,000-member Peninsula Shield near the border with Iraq, was deemed the most feasible location for the command.

Few details were given regarding the military command. Officials said the GCC leaders approved an advisory council to develop the facility.

The United States was expected to play a major role in the new command.
Washington has offered block arms sales to the GCC rather than to individual
Gulf Arab members.

The GCC has also agreed to establish a joint police force. Officials
said the force would expand counter-insurgency cooperation and security
coordination.

“Ratifying the draft resolution for establishing the police force, the
GCC Supreme Council stressed that the new body will boost security and help
expand anti-terror cooperation and coordination among member states,” the
summit communique said.

  Gulf Cooperation Council, Gulf states establish joint command in Saudi Arabia, Peninsula Shield, Riyad, Spurred by rising Iran