Jonah Patel
The Middle East has been a centre of world affairs due to its unique geographical location, its status as the birthplace of three major monotheistic religions, and its large oil reserves. As a result, the region has a history of conflict and great power rivalry. However, diplomacy has played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions and resolving conflicts. For example, in 1974, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger engaged in shuttle diplomacy between Israel, Egypt, and Syria, helping to negotiate disengagement agreements between Israel and Egypt, and Israel and Syria. More recently, in 2023, Gulf states expressed support for international diplomacy on Iran's nuclear program, seeking to de-escalate tensions in the region. Additionally, countries like Oman and Kuwait, as well as Egypt and Morocco, have been partners in promoting regional diplomacy and cooperation. While the Middle East continues to face challenges, diplomacy remains a vital tool for conflict resolution and stability in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diplomacy and mediation can help troubled societies find new modes of power sharing and post-conflict governance | Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey can be sought after to bring about meaningful de-escalation in the MENA region |
| Regional diplomacy, de-escalation, and cooperation | In March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran signed an agreement to re-normalize bilateral relations |
| US foreign policy in the Middle East | The US has a mixed track record in its response to regional events |
| US aid | The Middle East receives more than 50% of total US military aid globally |
| US-Israel relations | Israel is America's most reliable partner in the Middle East |
| US-Israel-Egypt relations | In 1974, Kissinger helped negotiate the first Egyptian-Israeli disengagement agreement |
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What You'll Learn
US foreign policy in the Middle East after the Cold War
US foreign policy in the Middle East has been driven by a range of factors, including geopolitical interests, energy security, and countering the influence of rival powers. In the aftermath of World War II and during the Cold War, the US sought to prevent the Soviet Union from gaining influence in the region, leading to extensive support for anti-communist and anti-Soviet regimes, including Israel and Saudi Arabia.
However, US foreign policy in the Middle East after the Cold War has been characterised by a mix of diplomatic and military engagements, with a focus on addressing emerging conflicts and security concerns. The Persian Gulf War of 1991, for instance, saw President George H.W. Bush successfully employ diplomacy and military power, presenting new opportunities for the region. Yet, the region has since faced disarray, with American leadership becoming more distant.
The US has continued to play a prominent role in the Middle East, with interests and influence evolving over time. One key shift has been the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Gulf states, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, which has altered the regional dynamic. Additionally, the US has pursued diplomatic relations with most countries in the region, except for Iran, with whom relations were severed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and Syria, following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2012.
Another significant aspect of US foreign policy in the region has been its support for friendly dictators, such as Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, who agreed to abandon his WMD programs and end support for terrorism in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the decision of the Barack Obama administration to intervene in Libya contributed to the unexpected end of Gaddafi's 42-year rule. The reduced American footprint in the Middle East, which began during the Obama administration and continues today, has led regional leaders to undertake initiatives independent of the US.
The US has also been engaged in addressing specific conflicts and issues in the region. For example, it has been involved in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, seeking to resolve the long-standing conflict between the two sides. Additionally, the US has been a part of international efforts to address Iran's nuclear program, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018.
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Regional security and human security
The Middle East is a unique region geographically and strategically, which has led to every significant power in history seeking to advance its interests in the region. It is the birthplace of the three most important monotheistic religions and has the world's greatest oil reserves. As such, any conflict in the Middle East has the potential to upset the regional balance of power and affect global stability.
The region has been engulfed in conflict, from civil wars and terrorism to refugee crises, requiring UN involvement. The traditional UN approach to regional security through peacekeeping forces has been supplemented by a new approach that emphasizes human security. This involves addressing security needs through developmental and humanitarian aid and assisting vulnerable groups.
Human security scholars argue that national, regional, and global security are all threatened by underdevelopment. They suggest that sustainable development can be a foundation for stability, as disease epidemics, terrorism, and political violence often emerge from states lacking resources to provide for their populations. Human security also depends on the level of equality in a state, and it is essential for understanding security dynamics in the Middle East. For example, the civil war in Syria caused a humanitarian crisis that affected other regional states.
Additionally, climate change has led to environmental threats in the Middle East, such as pollution, water distribution issues, and deforestation. Access to water sources may become a cause of conflict between neighboring states, as it is linked to economic security. Political threats can also lead to instability, as seen in the Palestine-Israel conflict or the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
To address regional security and human security challenges, the UN should build partnerships with leading regional organizations, primarily the Arab League. Future stability depends on protecting vulnerable groups and continuously working towards humanitarian and developmental goals.
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Regional diplomacy and de-escalation
The Middle East has long been a centre of world affairs due to its unique geographical and strategic position, as well as its cultural and religious significance. The region has a history of conflict, with great powers seeking to advance their interests and the presence of complex security dynamics. However, diplomacy and de-escalation efforts have played a crucial role in mitigating tensions and fostering cooperation.
Another instance of successful regional diplomacy is the normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023. High-level representatives from both countries signed an agreement in Beijing, marking a significant step towards de-escalation. This development differed from the tensions witnessed in 2013, where Gulf states expressed concerns about Iran's behaviour in the region, including its nuclear program. The support for international diplomacy on Iran's nuclear program by the Gulf states in 2023 contributed to the positive shift in regional dynamics.
In addition to these examples, countries like Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco have played constructive roles in promoting de-escalation in the Middle East. Oman, in particular, has been recognised for its diplomatic efforts within the region. The reduced American footprint in the Middle East during the Obama administration and beyond has also compelled regional leaders to initiate their own diplomatic endeavours.
While the Middle East continues to face challenges, including civil wars, terrorism, and refugee crises, there are opportunities for regional diplomacy and de-escalation. The United Nations (UN), in collaboration with regional organisations like the Arab League, has sought to address security needs through developmental aid, humanitarian aid, and assistance to vulnerable groups. Private messages from heads of state of friendly countries to Israel's leadership have also proven effective in preventing escalatory policies and promoting responsible actions.
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Saudi Arabia and Iran's bilateral relations
Historically, there have been tensions between the two countries dating back to the 1970s, when Saudi Arabia had concerns about Iran's military modernisation and dominance in the region, as well as Iran's repossession of islands in the Persian Gulf. The relationship further deteriorated after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, as Iran accused Saudi Arabia of aligning itself with the United States and representing US interests over those of the Muslim world. The countries' relations were suspended from 1987 to 1990 and again from 2016 to 2023 due to issues such as the intervention in Yemen, the Iran embassy bombing in Yemen, and the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, Nimr al-Nimr.
However, in March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic relations through Chinese-brokered talks, signalling a potential de-escalation in tensions across the Middle East. This agreement came after Iran agreed to stop its military support for Houthi militants in the Yemeni Civil War. As of October 2024, both countries have made efforts to improve relations, discussing the promotion of bilateral ties and regional issues.
The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran could have significant implications for the political climate in the Middle East. One key indicator of the deal's success will be whether both sides refrain from interfering in the domestic politics of other countries in the region. Additionally, the restoration of diplomatic relations may lead to a reduction in tensions across the Middle East, as the two countries work towards setting aside their differences and expanding their relations.
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The role of the Gulf Cooperation Council
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic union of six Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC was established in 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the goal of achieving unity and cooperation among its members, rooted in their shared political, cultural, and Islamic identities.
The GCC has played a significant role in fostering cooperation and coordination among its member states, particularly in the areas of economic integration, security, and defence. One of its notable achievements is the establishment of the GCC Interconnection Grid, which connects the power grids of member states. The GCC also introduced a customs union and a common market, facilitating trade and economic growth within the region.
In terms of security and defence, the GCC established the Peninsula Shield Force in 1984, a joint military venture based in Saudi Arabia, and signed an intelligence-sharing pact in 2004. The GCC's military unit was deployed to Bahrain in 2011 to suppress anti-government protests, demonstrating its role in maintaining stability within member states.
However, the GCC has also faced challenges due to intensifying economic competition and geostrategic rivalries between its two most influential members, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This rivalry has the potential to disrupt the unity and cooperation within the GCC and has led to differing approaches to regional conflicts and foreign policies.
Despite these challenges, the GCC remains an important organization in the Middle East, promoting economic integration, security coordination, and regional stability. Its role in fostering cooperation and providing a platform for collective action has contributed to diplomatic successes in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
The Middle East is the birthplace of the three most important monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It is also the greatest single reserve of oil. Therefore, any conflict in the Middle East has the potential to destabilize the region and upset the global balance of power.
The US has long maintained a presence in the Middle East and provides more than 50% of its global military aid to the region. US foreign policy in the Middle East has included the Gulf War, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and the defeat of ISIS in Syria. However, the Trump administration has been criticized for abandoning diplomacy in the region.
The UN has sought to address regional security needs through developmental aid, humanitarian aid, and assistance to vulnerable groups. The UN works with leading regional organizations like the Arab League to promote stability and protect vulnerable populations.
In 1974, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger engaged in "shuttle diplomacy" to negotiate disengagement agreements between Israel and Egypt, and later, between Israel and Syria. In 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran took steps to re-normalize bilateral relations.
