Arab NATO plan being studied to fight ISIS, isolate Iran

A NATO-style alliance for the Middle East was discussed on Thursday during a NATO summit, attended by US President Donald Trump in the Belgian capital Brussels, where leaders agreed to further discuss the so-called “Middle East Treaty Organization” METO that would mainly fight ISIS and isolate Iran, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.

The newspaper quoted a western diplomatic sources as saying that the Trump administration was very enthusiastic about the plan and had brought up the issue with several Arab leaders.

Trump: King Salman is a wise man who wants ‘rapid’ improvements

He said “The plan is moving forward and is being studied. There has been an agreement to hold further talks concerning its establishment, and to reach a deal concerning its targets, mechanisms and the means to achieve them.”

The diplomat added that one issue of dispute is related to the headquarters of METO, before suggesting Brussels.

The aim of the new plan is to achieve joint priorities between Washington and regional states, including the defeat of ISIS, fighting terrorism, in addition to facing the Iranian treats and to draw a new map of regional alliances through establishing joint forces and intelligent information sharing.