UPSC Prelims 2016 Q70: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Which of the following is not a member of 'Gulf Cooperation Council'?
- (a) Iran
- (b) Saudi Arabia
- (c) Oman
- (d) Kuwait
Answer: (a) Iran
Explanation
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Founded in 1981; headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It is a group of six Arab monarchies on the Persian Gulf.
| Country | Member of the Gulf Cooperation Council? |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Yes |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes |
| Kuwait | Yes |
| Qatar | Yes |
| Bahrain | Yes |
| Oman | Yes |
| Iran | No |
| Iraq | No |
Why Iran is not a member:
| Reason | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity | Iran is Persian, not Arab |
| System | Iran is a republic; members are monarchies |
| Politics | The GCC was formed partly in response to the Iranian Revolution (1979) |
Answer: (a) Iran.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Iran is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
- (b) Incorrect. Saudi Arabia is a founder member and hosts the headquarters.
- (c) Incorrect. Oman is one of the six members.
- (d) Incorrect. Kuwait is one of the six members.
Key point
GCC (1981, Riyadh): Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman. Iran and Iraq are not members.
Remember
GCC has six members; Iran is not one.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every country on the Persian Gulf is a member.
- Forgetting that Iraq and Yemen are also outside the council.
- Missing the word 'not' in the question.
Exam tip
GCC = six Arab monarchies. Iran and Iraq border the Gulf but are not members.
Sources
- Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council — Member States
- Ministry of External Affairs — India-GCC relations brief