Germany’s policies pursue stability in Middle East
Since US President Donald Trump assumed office in January, Germany has been pursing more responsible diplomatic approaches to promote stability in the globe
Berlin’s Middle East policies, in particular, those followed up vis-à-vis Saudi Arabia’s destabilizing role in the region, are among such diplomatic approaches.
When Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman constructed a scenario – like the one he painted for Qatar – to plunge Lebanon in turmoil, he had never imagined that Germany would have opposed it.
After a meeting in Berlin with Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, German Foreign Minister Gabriel told reporters that Europe “could not tolerate the adventurism that has spread there.” The remarks were construed as a reaction aimed at targeting Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh recalled its ambassador to Germany home for consultations over Gabriel’s comments.
Nonetheless, Germany has shown that it is determined to counter destabilizing policies in the Middle East.
The reaction of Germany’s top diplomat is reminiscent of Berlin’s principled approach to Ankara amid a war of words between the two countries triggered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Germany’s resistance against provocative policies pursued by Saudi Arabia and Turkey has undermined attempts to further fuel tensions in the Middle East.
Berlin is aware that such provocative policies are in line with those of Trump, who is seeking to fuel crises across the globe. Trump is exploring ways to heighten tensions in the world to weaken big economies, like Germany’s, and to increase US arms sales to save America’s economy, which has been adversely affected by Washington’s warmongering policies in the Middle East.
Berlin has shown that it will never endure irresponsible decisions taken by bin Salman.
On the whole, Germany has demonstrated a rational and pragmatic diplomacy by preferring responsible measures, which are pursued to promote stability, to those followed by adventurous extremists.
*Hossein Ziaee is an Iranian journalist in Germany.