The Department of International Affairs at Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) organised yesterday a symposium on “The Siege from the Perspective of International Relations.” which gave an overview of Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and its objectives.
The symposium is the first of a series of monthly seminars to be organised by the Department of International Affairs over the academic year.
It aimed to establish a knowledge-based environment and to promote academic dialogue within and outside QU.
The symposium included two lectures entitled “The reasons for the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council” and “Critical Reading in the Founding of the Gulf Cooperation Council”.
They were delivered respectively by CAS assistant professor of international relations Dr Bakil al-Zindani and assistant professor in security and international relations, Dr Ibrahim Saidi.
Dr al-Zindani gave an overview on the GCC and the purpose of its establishment.
He noted that the GCC combines visions, unifies trends and plays a role in ensuring security. He also highlighted the current Gulf crisis and its reflection on the GCC.
Dr Saidi highlighted the basic regulations and procedures of the GCC comparing them with other international organisations.
He noted that the Council’s law prevents the expulsion or the membership freeze of any member state.
International Affairs department head Dr Ahmed Ibrahim said: “This symposium is part of QU’s role to promote academic dialogue and address national issues such as the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar. It also aligns with the commitment of the Department of International Affairs to engage in a realistic dialogue that reflects the causes of such crises and the ways to deal with them.”
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