France, March 20 -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi this week renewed calls for a common Arab force - a proposal that has been discussed for years but has never taken shape.

The idea has resurfaced as conflict spreads across the Gulf, with Iranian missile and drone strikes hitting several Arab states in retaliation for attacks by Israel and the United States. The escalation is also raising new questions about how Arab countries should organise their own defence.

Some countries in the region are already tied to defence agreements with the United States and European powers. Others maintain closer relations with Iran. Those differences have made it difficult to agree on a single regional security structure.

Hasni Abidi, director o...