Recently representatives of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) gathered in Kuala Lumpur at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit. According to an Iraqi reporter, fifty Muslim countries were represented at the thirteenth Summit to discuss using Middle East oil reserves as a weapon to influence the U.S. with respect to impending military conflict against Iraq. Malaysia is steadfastly opposed to war on Iraq by the U.S. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said “There has been a suggestion that we look at using our oil wells in order to exert pressure” (Islamic 1).
The Iraqi journalist also reports that Mohamad pressured Muslim leaders to align themselves with countries who are opposed to U.S.-led military action in Iraq. He quotes Mohamad as saying, “We should make common cause with countries that are against war in Iraq” (Islamic 1). The leaders also recognized that using oil as a weapon to exert pressure on the U.S. could have repercussions in their own lands. As Mahathir is also reported as stating, “Oil is a double-edged sword. If the price of oil goes up many of the countries of the South are going to suffer” (Islamic 1).
A reporter in Saudi Arabia also covered the OIC Summit. In his version of the story there were only 48 Muslim nations represented. However, he did present much the same story as the Iraqi journalist. This includes making a common cause with nations opposed to U.S. military action and the recognition that using oil as a weapon may hurt Muslim nations. However, the Saudi Arabian journalist covers an aspect of the story not covered by the Iraqi reporter. In his version, the Saudi reporter informs readers that Syria and Pakistan, both at the Summit, are two of the 15 Security Council Members who get to vote on U.N. resolutions. Further, he addresses Mahathir’s comments about Iraqi compliance that were left out of the Iraqi re
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