North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: All eyes of the world are on America’s politics, but if there is maximum restlessness anywhere, it is in the Middle East. Donald Trump has returned to power and his image is of a leader who does not hesitate in taking tough decisions. There is an old saying that “the weevil also gets crushed along with the wheat”. This same fear is haunting countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman today.
Let us understand in simple words why these rich Arab countries are becoming peacemakers amid the tension between America and Iran.
If there is a fire in the neighbor’s house, the flame will come here too.
You may remember, there was a time when Saudi Arabia and its partner countries wanted America to rein in Iran. But now times have changed. Now these same countries are explaining to America and especially Trump’s team that “Look, do not make the mistake of attacking Iran.”
The reason for this is very clear and practical. Iran is the neighbor of these countries. If America carries out a major strike on Iran or attempts a coup (regime change) there, Iran will not remain silent. In response, America is far from Iran’s target, but the nearby oil wells and cities of Saudi, UAE or Qatar will come first. Gulf countries do not want to take this risk at all.
Dream project and shadow of war
Just imagine, under its ‘Vision 2030’, Saudi Arabia is building a more high-tech city than New York in the desert. Qatar and UAE have become hubs of business and tourism. In such a situation, if even a single missile falls there, the entire economy will be shaken. Investors will run away and years of hard work will go to waste.
These countries are now moving beyond fighting and focusing on ‘business’ i.e. their economy. That is why, for some time now, Saudi Arabia and Iran have forgotten their old enmity and have joined hands. They know that progress will happen only when there is peace in the neighbourhood.
Diplomacy behind the scenes
There are reports that senior officials of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar are in constant touch with Trump and his new team. His message is clear – put pressure on Iran, impose sanctions, but do not take the matter to war. Oman has been acting as a mediator between America and Iran, but this time the matter is serious.
This is a very delicate point. On one hand, there is Trump’s aggressive attitude, which the world knows. On the other side is Iran, which is not ready to bow down. And trapped between these two are those Arab countries, who just want that their region should not become a battlefield.
Now it will be interesting to see whether ‘businessman’ Donald Trump understands the mathematics of ‘profit and loss’ of his Arab friends or will he continue with his old strategy.
