What are the implications of expanding the GCC?

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) decision to invite Jordan and Morocco to join shows the Council’s determination to ensure the political survival of the two remaining (and friendly) Arab monarchies. Jordan’s geopolitical importance to the Gulf countries warrants its inclusion. However, Morocco’s geographic location and its strong ties to Europe will make full GCC membership difficult. Moreover, both countries will need to fulfil certain conditions for membership over unspecified time scales, which remain unclear at this stage and, in any case, these conditions are unlikely to require major political or economic reform.