العمل الخيري و الاستقرار السياسي في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي : المحددات و المجالات

Abstract EN

This research aims at tracing, analyzing, and evaluating the role of charity work in enhancing the political stability in GCC countries; especially that charitable organizations and funds play a major role in the community structure of these countries.

GCC countries are among the most politically stable Arab nations, although they are located in a regional area which lacks peace and stability; the real challenge they face in the meantime is to maintain such stability under the current conditions whose some of them imply instability.

There are many factors affecting the role of charity work in enhancing political stability in GCC countries.

Among them are the economic and social problems in GCC countries, especially under the global financial crisis and its repercussions.

Other factors are the sectarian tension arising in some GCC countries and the increasing societal demand on commodities and public services both in the meantime and in the near future.

Add to this the decrease of the social welfare state role, the nature of the relationship between charity organizations and the state, and the ability of charity associations and funds to develop their administrative and organizational structures, their programs, their mechanisms, and their available financial resources.

Moreover, we cannot ignore the role played by some external factors in affecting charity work in GCC countries.

Charity organizations can play a key role in enhancing political stability in GCC countries through many ways.

Among which is contributing in solving or at least minimizing the effects of some economic and social problems faced by GCC countries.

These problems may be like poverty, unemployment, or inflation.

It is necessary to widen the scope of beneficiaries of the health, education and housing services, and to support social solidarity and peace.

Extremism should be faced by spreading the values of moderation, which represent the true essence of Islam.

Finally, raising awareness of the importance of voluntary work among different groups.

For charity organizations to effectively and efficiently perform this role, they need to expand their activities in the developmental fields not the protective ones.

They need to develop their internal systems, organizational structures, and programs in the light of the current conditions and to enhance cooperation efforts among them.

Equally, there is a need to redraft the legal and institutional relationship between the state and charity organizations, so that the latter enjoys the support of the former on one hand, and experiences more independence in performing its activities on the other.