Middle East Battlefield for Global Interests
The Middle East crisis is one of history's most complex, multifaceted, and prolonged conflicts, with the Israel-Palestine issue at its core.
Israel's military policies, the concept of Greater Israel, and the role of global powers behind it have become a grave threat, not only to the Palestinian people but also to the peace of the entire region.
The hypocritical attitude of key Arab countries like Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia is no secret. In this analytical article, I have tried to examine the role of these countries in light of the Palestine issue and the recent Israeli terrorism in Gaza, which has resulted in the martyrdom of over 44,000 Palestinians, including 16,000 children and 12,000 women. This criminal act by Israel, which is being termed genocide, is analyzed here through various lenses, including the hypocrisy and compulsions of these nations.
Before delving into the details of the Arab countries, it is essential to briefly highlight the role of global powers in the Middle East. Global powers have always been involved in the disputes of Syria and Palestine. The U.S., Russia, and European countries remain active in these conflicts to secure their geopolitical and economic interests.
The U.S. is Israel's biggest supporter. However, in a recent ceasefire agreement with the Zionist state, it cooperated with Iran. Russia supports Bashar al-Assad in Syria and strives to maintain its influence in the Middle East. China has expanded its role in the Middle East in recent years, particularly through economic cooperation, mediating historical rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia into dialogue.
The Middle East is engulfed in such a complex situation that a country can be an adversary at one point and an ally at another. It would not be wrong to call the Middle East the center of modern history's most intricate conflicts. In my opinion, if asked to describe the root of the Middle Eastern crisis in two words, I would say "Saudi Arabia and Iran."
Saudi Arabia's significant role in the Middle East and its policies profoundly impact the Palestine issue and the Gaza situation. The claim that Saudi Arabia could end the Gaza war if it desired holds weight, but it is also intertwined with complexities and interests that influence this position.
In Middle Eastern politics, Saudi Arabia and Iran are two key rivals, and their competition often reflects in regional disputes. Iran supports Hamas and other resistance groups in Palestine, while Saudi Arabia, although not directly involved in conflict with Israel, has consistently shown verbal support for the Palestinian cause. Iran provides financial and military aid to groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which resist Israeli aggression in Palestine. However, Saudi Arabia perceives their actions as a threat to its monarchy.
Saudi Arabia avoids openly confronting Iran's proxies, as such actions could lead to a large-scale conflict in the Middle East, which would harm Saudi Arabia's economy and internal stability.
Saudi Arabia's interests are more focused on strengthening its leadership and economic development rather than regional stability. However, to understand Saudi Arabia's role in ending the Gaza war, some key points must be considered. Saudi Arabia disapproves of Iran's growing influence in Palestine but prefers political solutions over direct intervention in the Gaza conflict to curb this influence.
Saudi Arabia has made international efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue, such as the Arab Peace Initiative. However, this initiative has not yet brought practical solutions between Israel and Palestine. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country is pursuing Vision 2030, emphasizing economic diversification and regional economic leadership. Intervention in the Gaza war could complicate this agenda.
As Saudi Arabia, which considers itself the leader of the Muslim world, remains indifferent, Israeli terrorism against Palestine continues. On the other hand, the interests and policies of global powers have deeply impacted Palestine. The involvement of the U.S., Russia, China, and European countries in Middle Eastern politics has made this crisis a global issue.
The U.S. has always been Israel's biggest supporter, and its backing remains a point of contention in the Palestine issue. The U.S. has established strategic relations with Israel, strengthening its global position and defense. In contrast, Russia, a former part of the Soviet Union, has allied with and supported Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, increasing Russia's influence in the Middle East. China's presence is also growing, especially in the economic realm. China has improved its relations with the Middle East and expanded economic cooperation with Iran.
The presence of global powers has further complicated this crisis. Their differing interests and perspectives have become obstacles in resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict, making the path to a solution even more challenging.
Hypocrisy of Arab Countries
Arab countries show a hypocritical attitude toward the Palestine issue, where they publicly support Palestinians but offer little practical assistance. This hypocrisy stems from various factors, including internal political pressures, global aid, and their interests.
Egypt: Egypt has traditionally supported Palestine, but its peace treaty with Israel has limited its role. While Egypt participates in Gaza's blockade, it takes no significant action for Palestinians.
Jordan: Jordan managed the West Bank until 1967 but limited its role after a peace treaty with Israel. Its government verbally supports Palestinians but maintains relations with Israel.
Lebanon: Lebanon has provided refuge to Palestinian refugees and supported resistance against Israel through Hezbollah. However, internal crises and political complexities hinder any significant action for Palestinians.
Turkey: Turkey has vocally supported Palestine and criticized Israel but maintains economic and diplomatic ties with Israel, reflecting its hypocrisy.
Qatar: Qatar has supported Hamas and funded Gaza's reconstruction but also maintains covert ties with Israel and Western powers, showing policy contradictions.
UAE and Bahrain: The UAE and Bahrain recently established relations with Israel, seen as a betrayal by Palestinians. Their reluctance to take significant actions for Palestine is tied to improving global relations for their interests.
Compulsions and Global Politics of Arab Countries
Arab countries' policies reflect both hypocrisy and compulsion. Their actions are often driven by global positions and interests. Western aid, global relations, and internal political conditions influence Arab nations' decisions. Countries like the UAE and Bahrain, which have established ties with Israel, aim to strengthen their global positions through improved relations with Israel.
Lack of Global Solutions
There is a notable absence of serious global solutions for Middle Eastern conflicts. While the UN and other international bodies pass resolutions in favor of Palestine, they fail to take practical actions. The U.S.'s veto policy in favor of Israel and Europe's silence further hinder Palestinians' pursuit of justice.
Nevertheless, Palestinian resistance remains steadfast, growing more organized and effective globally. However, global power interventions and Arab countries' silence have slowed their efforts.
Despite these challenges, Palestinians continue to fight for self-determination. Voices in their favor are growing louder worldwide, increasing pressure for a resolution. However, achieving a solution with Israel remains complex, requiring a strong global alliance.
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