(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), who had gathered in Tehran, should now seek to redefine the role of this once important political union in the light of new geopolitical realities. NAM, with 120 member countries and 17 observer territories, is the world’s second-biggest grouping after the United Nations.
It also hosts one of the biggest summits of global leaders periodically, who discuss socio-political and economic issues impacting the world.
NAM was established in 1961 to realign the newly independent colonies that wanted to distance themselves from the Soviet-backed Socialist bloc and the US-led western bloc in a bipolar world. However, no country was immune to the effects of the Cold War that largely dictated international relations and politics.
The alliance has lost its significance and relevance to some extent since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the changes in the political landscape of Eastern Europe in the early 1990s that also effectively ended the Cold War. If NAM wants to make its presence felt and make a difference in the world affairs — especially in reducing poverty and promoting global peace, then its leaders should use these regular summits to make strong calls.
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In a unipolar world, NAM could be the voice of the poor and underprivileged. However, it needs to be heard.
This was also a good opportunity for Arab and Iranian leaders to iron out political differences and promote regional peace that will help accelerate economic cooperation and development.
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