Differences over leadership of Arab joint forces
Mon, 25/05/2015 - 16:48 Al-Masry Al-Youm
http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/differences-over-leadership-arab-joint-forces

According to diplomatic sources, chiefs of staff at the Arab League meeting
discussed the final touches of an Arab joint military force. They considered
whether it would be one group that was in a certain Arab country on a
permanent basis or whether the force would be on call for summoning to
different countries.

The sources said that one point of contention was related to what was
discussed at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit about the force intervening upon the
request of any concerned Arab government. The question was raised about what
would happen if there was no recognized political regime in that country,
such as in the case of Syria, and whether the force would intervene at the
request of the opposition.

The sources added that some Arab countries expressed reservations about the
Arab League's Secretary General having the right in some cases to request an
intervention, given the differences in views among the Arab countries
regarding certain crises in the region. They said those countries believe
the force should not interfere in internal affairs.

Another point of contention was about the command of the force, as Egypt and
Iraq suggested a fixed joint command that does not change with different
operations, while the Gulf states said it should change depending on the
operation. They also said a joint command would be in the hands of the
country that has the largest share of the force and would probably be
headquartered there.

The sources said Egypt has presented a general protocol for the mechanism of
the force, which would be signed by the countries that take part in it once
final adjustments are made.

Meanwhile, an Iraqi source said the fact that Iraqi Chief of Staff Babakir
Zebari left Cairo before the end of the meeting does not mean he withdrew
from it, but that it was rather due to the situation in Iraq, adding that
Iraq is in favor of a joint military force.

Regarding Iraq’s reservations on some of the protocol terms, the source said
the terms should be very clear to all parties.

The diplomatic sources also talked about other points of contention, such as
whether the force would have a peacekeeping mission separating belligerent
parties, or whether it would intervene in favor of a particular party. They
also discussed whether the intervention would be by sea and air strikes or
whether it would include ground forces.

Other topics that were discussed were related to the size, the armament and
the financing of the force.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm