The Doha Summit; Unity or Another Missed Opportunity?

The Doha Summit; Unity or Another Missed Opportunity?

The emergency Arab-Islamic summit convened in Doha on 15 September 2025 brought together nearly fifty Muslim heads of state and senior officials. It was called in the wake of Israel’s strike inside Qatar – a move widely condemned as a violation of sovereignty and a blow to ongoing mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas. The summit’s agenda, joint communiqué, and high-profile attendance seemed to signal an extraordinary moment of solidarity. Yet, for many observers, it felt like a familiar ritual: strong words, but little evidence of coordinated action.

A Pattern of High-Level Meetings

This was not the first time that Arab and Islamic leaders gathered under the banner of collective outrage. From the 1969 Rabat Summit (which established the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) to the 1973 Arab oil embargo, and later to the 1987 OIC emergency session after the Israeli attack on Al-Aqsa, Muslim leaders have often issued forceful declarations. More recently, the 2017 Istanbul Extraordinary OIC Summit on Jerusalem, and the 2021 Saudi-hosted meeting on Gaza, followed a similar template: emergency gathering, unanimous condemnation, and creation of committees to “pursue legal and diplomatic avenues.”

While these summits have occasionally yielded symbolic victories—such as international recognition of Palestinian claims or temporary financial support for reconstruction—their practical impact on Israel’s policies has been limited. Economic ties with Israel quietly expanded in some Gulf states even after fiery statements, and coordinated diplomatic pressure has rarely been sustained beyond the news cycle.

What Was on the Table in Doha

According to the official joint communiqué, the Doha summit:

• Condemned the Israeli strike as “cowardly and treacherous” and a grave violation of international law.

• Called on member states to review their relations with Israel and consider legal, diplomatic, and even economic measures.

• Announced the formation of an Arab-Islamic committee to take the case to the UN Security Council, the General Assembly, and other international forums.

• Discussed the potential activation of Gulf and broader Muslim defensive capabilities to deter further attacks.

These are, on paper, stronger formulations than in some past declarations. Several leaders—particularly from Turkey, Iran, and Algeria—spoke of “consequences” if such attacks continue. Yet no binding resolution on sanctions, suspension of diplomatic relations, or coordinated military measures was adopted. Some states with normalized ties to Israel stressed the need to “maintain channels of communication” and limited their commitment to legal action only.

Why Summits Keep Falling Short

The gap between fiery rhetoric and modest action is rooted in structural realities. Member states have divergent security priorities, economic dependencies, and alliances. Several Gulf states rely on U.S. security guarantees and view Iran, not Israel, as their primary threat. Others, like Turkey and Qatar, have maintained some leverage through mediation roles that require keeping communication open with all sides. This fragmented strategic landscape makes unified punitive action exceedingly difficult.

Moreover, the summit format itself—one or two days of speeches, photo-ops, and a joint statement—offers little mechanism for follow-through. Committees established in previous summits often fade into obscurity as soon as media attention wanes. Without binding enforcement mechanisms or clear timelines, most initiatives remain aspirational.

Symbolism vs. Substance

Was Doha different? The rapid convening of so many leaders did show genuine alarm at a direct attack on a sovereign Muslim state. The language of the communiqué was notably sharper than usual. If member states actually review relations with Israel or coordinate legal action at the International Court of Justice, this could mark a shift from symbolism to substance.

Yet history counsels skepticism. Unless concrete steps—economic leverage, suspension of ties, or a sustained legal strategy—are implemented, the Doha summit may join the long list of emergency gatherings remembered more for their lavish banquets than for lasting change.

Conclusion

The Muslim world’s predicament is not only the result of external aggression but also of internal disunity and reluctance to translate collective outrage into collective action. The Doha summit had the potential to break that cycle, but it will only be judged “effective” if, in the months ahead, its promises turn into policies. Otherwise, it risks being another high-profile lunch followed by another missed opportunity.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.