Can the Islamic and Arab World Leverage Economic Power Against the U.S. and Israel?

 As leaders of the Islamic Cooperation Organization and the Arab League gather in Doha, a central question looms: can the Arab and Islamic world leverage its immense economic resources to counter U.S. and Israeli dominance?

The Muslim world collectively commands vast economic strength. Countries such as Indonesia ($1.47 trillion GDP), Turkey ($1.34 trillion), Saudi Arabia ($1.11 trillion), Malaysia ($447 billion), and Iran ($434 billion) showcase a formidable presence in global markets. Beyond GDP, these nations are endowed with natural resources, modern infrastructure, and skilled labor that make them vital players in international trade and investment.

In energy, Muslim countries dominate oil production: Saudi Arabia (10 million barrels/day), Iraq (4.5 million), UAE (4 million), Kuwait (3 million), and Iran (3.5 million), collectively holding some of the world’s largest reserves. In natural gas, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Oman are set to significantly expand production, while Arab states hold over 80% of the world’s phosphate reserves.

Trade is another pillar. In 2024, Indonesia’s trade reached $498.36 billion, Malaysia’s $316.68 billion in exports, Turkey’s exports $261.8 billion, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports $137.29 billion, and the UAE achieved a historic $1.424 trillion trade volume. These numbers highlight the Islamic world’s role as a backbone of global commerce.

The historical precedent is clear: during the October 1973 war, Arab states used the oil embargo as an economic weapon, causing energy prices to soar and shaking Western economies. This proved that unity and strategic use of resources can shift global power balances.

Today, as Israel escalates its ambitions and even strikes Doha, the question for Islamic leaders in Qatar is whether they are ready to employ such strategic economic power once again. The answer lies in their unity, willpower, and ability to rise above words toward decisive collective action.

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