Opinion

Representing 410 million People, about 20% larger than the European Union population, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) members need to further enhance their strategic and economic alliance. Founded in 1985, ECO represents a geographic land mass about three times the size of Europe and has 36% of proven global fossil fuel energy reserves.

Five of the 10 countries in the organization have a crescent in their national flag representing the Islamic identity and heritage of the member countries. The organization has cooperated well in terms of trade and in developing energy resources. ECO countries also have ambitious road and railroad linkage plans. Deeper economic cooperation and cultural exchange are hampered by the security situation in the region.
Afghanistan is currently occupied by NATO/USA and India. Three other countries - Pakistan, Iran and Uzbekistan - are threatened by insurgency or under the threat of foreign invasion. More than half the population of the organization is currently in a state of war or under the threat of an impending conflict. Besides enhancing economic and cultural cooperation, ECO needs a defense pact, along the lines of NATO. To counter militancy, terrorism and possibility of invasion by foreign forces, they need to build road and rail road infrastructure, tap into vast energy resources and develop joint defense strategy. As NATO and USA forces begin to withdraw ECO countries should provide military and economic assistance to extricate Afghanistan from perpetual violence and strife. Similarly, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and to some extent, Azerbaijan need defensive military- related support. There is no one better positioned to provide military and economic assistance than ECO because of high level trust amongst the member countries.
Ankara is hosting the 10th leadership Summit of the 25-year- old organization in December 2010. Turkey being one of the strongest countries in the organization and a regional power should push for a defensive alliance between the organization's member states. As a minimum it should have provision for military assistance if requested by other member states. Unless regional security is achieved and peace is ensured, economic progress envisioned by the ECO charter at the time of its formation would remain tricky and elusive. My appeal to the Heads of State of ECO member countries is to address security issues with a defensive pact to defend the integrity of member states and maintain prolonged peace.