Not just the US, Russia can be our ally, too

Since the Arab Spring, the region has been witnessing an escalation of conflicts and political tension, which has only worsened over time. And the stand taken by the US — which proclaims to be an ally of the Gulf Arab states —has been far from encouraging. In fact, US policies have only resulted in disputes getting worse. Every drop of blood shed or every financial implication should force the Arab countries to sit up and review their relationship with allies, the major powers, especially America, which has always disappointed us.

The US has helped strengthen Iran by supporting it. During the Arab Spring it changed its stance in Egypt by first supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. There are economic factors, too, where the US uses its bargaining power to reduce oil prices and batter the economies of the Arab countries in the Mena region. Lately, frequent provocations by US President Donald Trump through his tweets against the GCC countries is making the relationship hard to maintain. The western media has also supported sectarian movements in the region in the guise of democracy, and we have faced the consequences of such silly actions. It’s time the region grew wiser in its international dealings and looked out for allies with genuine and mutual interests. It’s time Arab and GCC countries turned to Russia.

In fact, it is the Russians who stood by the GCC states on many occasions. Take for instance the attempts made by the Kremlin to mediate in the Yemen war. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, during a phone call with King Salman bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, expressed his disapproval of the Houthis firing ballistic missiles against Saudi Arabia. Putin even warned the Houthis of serious consequences if such acts continued. The Russians also came forward to mediate with the Houthis into accepting a political solution. This was in sharp contrast to the policies of the West which only added fuel to the fire in the Yemen war. A closer look will show Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have much common cause with Russia.

While Russia plays a major role in the war in Syria, it has managed to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table — Iran with its support for Bashar Al Assad’s regime and Turkey that supports opposition factions. But the Kremlin has not accepted any solution as Iran has remained stubborn. As I see it, there is no future for US-GCC relations. In any case, the three largest US military bases in the world are not in this region.

Last week when Moon Jae-in, the South Korean President, shook hands with Kim Jong-un, his North Korean counterpart, one of Kim’s demands was to minimise US troops on the Korean Peninsula. We should seek a similar deal with fewer US troops in the Gulf.

Diversity in relationships is key, and it’s time GCC countries become pragmatic and forge new ties based on mutual interests. We must review what major and emerging powers have to offer us, and take our pick based on what works for us.

Diversity in relationships is the need of the hour. It’s time countries in the region become pragmatic and forge relationships based on mutual interests