Doha is back in the good graces of the GCC, but is that enough to move ahead with plans for closer military ties among the Gulf monarchies?

Just days after Qatar reconciled with its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) cohorts, it appears that the GCC may be one step closer to realizing long-delayed plans to strengthen military cooperation in the Gulf. Though Doha will host the 35th GCC summit next week amid rumors that the regional alliance will launch a joint military command to tackle perceived threats to regional security – including the expansionary Islamic State and the GCC’s rival across the Gulf, Iran – the group will likely only be capable of taking baby steps towards that goal. (CONTINUED - 1038 WORDS)