Arab League, OIC & GCC – A Family Portrait with Humor

The Arab League was born in 1945, three years before Israel came into existence in 1948. So technically, the 80-year-old Arab League is the elder sibling. But as the story goes, its milk teeth fell out by the time it turned three—and permanent ones never grew back. Since then, it has managed with dentures.

Blessed with 22 sons, the League looks more like a weary parent whose children simply refuse to grow up. Instead of living life, life seems to be dragging them along.

These sons, even in their youth, kept getting into scuffles with local bullies, and now the memory has faded so badly that they don’t even recall who hit them last.

Today, the family matters are run by the third generation—grandchildren who are richer than their fathers but so stingy that even grandma’s new dentures are considered a waste of money. Some even joke that grandma must have misplaced her file from the angel of death’s office.

The Younger Sister: OIC

Then there’s the Arab League’s younger sister, the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), who has reached the respectable age of 56. She proudly says she has 57 children, but laziness seems to have been specially created for them. To expect any one of them to stand up and pour a glass of water is asking too much.

In eloquence, however, they are unmatched. Their speeches dazzle so much that listeners forget to ask the obvious question: “All right, but what have you actually done?” Instead, tales of glorious ancestors keep the room entertained.

Whenever injustice strikes one of their own, the rest gather like a grieving family—hugging, weeping, cursing the oppressor, shaking fists in the air. Then comes the customary group photo, followed by a declaration a mile long—filled with resolutions that eventually pile up until the office clerk clears them out to make space for the next batch.

Of course, in today’s digital age, all this could easily be done on Zoom. But where’s the fun in that? After all, in-person meetings allow for gossip, checking out each other’s shiny new military toys, or asking a wealthy cousin for a loan.

The Third Sister: GCC

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is the youngest sister, born in 1981. At 44, she has six strong sons, all thriving in the energy and trade business. Their accounts stretch from America to Indonesia.

They are generous hosts—whether it’s a poor relative from Sudan or a wealthy visitor like Trump, no one leaves disappointed. Even Israel doesn’t go away empty-handed.

These brothers collect expensive guns, swords, and horses—not for battle but for show and ceremonies. Some even say the eldest two once turned their swords into musical instruments out of sheer love for martial tunes.

With so much money left after parties, hunting trips, and grand giveaways, they’ve found a new hobby: chess. Except here, they sometimes end up knocking over their own pawns or trapping their own kings.

One is reminded of Munshi Premchand’s Shatranj ke Khiladi (The Chess Players), filmed by Satyajit Ray in 1977, about two noblemen too busy with chess while the East India Company was swallowing up their land. Perhaps if a remake were made today, GCC could finance it easily.

A Shared Prayer

But let’s give credit where it’s due. Despite all differences, one thing unites the Arab League, the OIC, and the GCC: their shared prayer that “whatever Israel is doing, it is not good.” May God guide it—or shorten its leash. Amen.

About the Author

Wusatullah Khan is a journalist of high standards based in Pakistan. He is associated with Aaj TV and BBC Urdu and also writes regularly for Pakistani newspapers. Known for his sharp wit and satirical style, his work sheds light on political and social realities with humor.

Shikarpur – The Historic City of Trade and Temples

Shikarpur is a historic city in Sindh, Pakistan, once known...

Takht Bahi Monastery: From Sacred Site to World Heritage

Takht Bahi (also spelled Takht-i-Bahi), located near Mardan in Pakistan's...

Traditional Greek Archery Gains Popularity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Traditional Greek Archery Gains Popularity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa...

Advertisement

Advertise on this site click for advertising rates