This episode of the podcast “Fanjan” delves into a deep discussion about American foreign policy towards the Middle East, especially the Gulf Arab states, through the lens of Saudi-American relations. The guest, Professor Bernard Haykel, discusses several sensitive topics including the Iranian nuclear agreement, its impact on regional balance, and the rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. during the Obama and Biden administrations. The conversation touches on how the American pursuit of building relations with Iran is seen as a betrayal of traditional Saudi interests, as well as highlighting how internal political shifts in America affect these relations. The concept of “resistance culture” adopted by Iran and the role of extremist groups in destabilizing neighboring countries are also addressed. The discussion also emphasizes how shifts in American policy, which some attribute to America’s failure to grasp the cultural and political complexities of the region, have led to a loss of trust among traditional allies. The dialogue also raises questions about how differing visions of Biden’s policy affect relations with Arab countries, and the influence of those policies on the region’s ability to achieve stability. The podcast also discusses the social and cultural issues related to the portrayal of Saudi Arabia in Western media, and how this portrayal impacts bilateral relations.
Strategic Trends in American Foreign Policy Toward the Middle East
The American foreign policy towards the Middle East is a complex subject intertwined with many political, economic, and social factors. Since the beginning of the 21st century, relations between the United States and Arab countries have undergone significant changes, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. Historically, the United States heavily relied on relations with Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia, due to its strategic location and vast oil reserves. However, after decades of cooperation, signs of tension began to emerge, particularly with the increasing Iranian influence in the region and the current American administration’s attempts to strengthen ties with Tehran.
The Biden administration is considered one of the administrations that has adopted a different approach from its predecessor, focusing on building more open relations with Iran, which many Arab countries view as a threat to their national security. This approach is partly based on the belief that improving relations with Iran could help stabilize the region. However, in reality, this shift reflects a lack of deep understanding of the nature of the Iranian regime and its expansionist tendencies.
Saudi Arabia, for instance, views Iran as an ideological adversary seeking to spread chaos in the Arab world by supporting militias such as the Houthis and Hezbollah. Nonetheless, there has been a growing sentiment that the United States, instead of supporting its traditional allies, has begun to prioritize relations with a state known for its hostile tendencies. This dynamic raises questions about the future of American-Saudi relations and how it will affect regional stability.
Saudi-American Tensions: Causes and Consequences
Saudi-American relations have witnessed an unprecedented level of tension in recent years, reflecting radical shifts in American strategy toward the Middle East. After the events of September 11, doubts began to infiltrate the bilateral relations, especially given the belief that some elements involved in the attacks were Saudi. This led to increased criticism and actions against Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that the Saudi government itself had been targeted by Al-Qaeda attacks.
Despite these tensions, Saudi Arabia sought to maintain strong relations with the United States, viewing it as an essential part of its foreign policy. However, American decisions, such as the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, negatively impacted those relations, as Saudi Arabia warned that the collapse of the Iraqi government would enhance Iranian influence. Nevertheless, the United States continued its policy, leading to a worsening security situation in the region.
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Obama’s administration continued this trend under the Biden administration, which adopted similar policies, prioritizing engagement with Iran. This was seen by the Saudis as a betrayal of their traditional allies. These concerns were heightened when the United States decided not to respond to the attacks on Saudi oil facilities, demonstrating to the Saudis that the U.S. no longer considers them key allies. This dynamic of tension makes it difficult for Saudi Arabia to continue relying on the U.S. as a primary ally in its foreign policy.
Iran as a Threat: The Pursuit of Nuclear Power
The fears that Iran seeks to obtain a nuclear weapon occupy a significant space in discussions about American and Arab foreign policy. While Iran views its nuclear program as part of its sovereign rights, Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia, fear that Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon would lead to more chaos and instability in the region. These concerns are not unfounded, as Iran’s history of supporting militias and extremist organizations in the region reinforces this anxiety.
On the other hand, some analysts believe that U.S. sanctions and pressure on Iran may not be effective. Previous experiences have shown that Iran has not backed down from its nuclear programs under military or economic pressures; instead, it may find greater motivation for escalation. Thus, the current American approach of opening up towards Iran may instill fear and anxiety in Arab countries, as they see this opening as a means to enhance Iran’s influence in the region.
It is worth noting that some discussions revolve around the possibility of reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran. However, many observers emphasize that any agreement must take into account the concerns of the United States’ allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia, to ensure real stability.
Regional Transformations: The Relationship Between Palestinian Issues and Normalization with Israel
The changes occurring in the relationships between Arab countries and Israel have been significantly influenced by regional conflicts, especially the Palestinian conflict. Although many Arab countries, such as the UAE and Bahrain, have normalized relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in its position on the Palestinian issue. The Palestinian cause is considered a central issue for Saudi Arabia that cannot be overlooked, reflecting the Arab and Islamic stance on the matter.
Despite the pressures exerted by the United States, Saudi Arabia insists that relations with Israel will not be normalized unless the rights of the Palestinians are achieved. This message reflects a sustainable position that embodies the cultural and religious values of Saudis and many Arabs. However, there is also an increasing awareness that regional challenges, especially the Iranian threat, may make it necessary to establish some form of cooperation with Israel to achieve common interests.
This new trend represents a shift in the strategic thinking of Arab states, as many of them have begun to view cooperation with Israel as a means to enhance their national security. In this context, it can be said that there is a growing motivation to develop relationships, but this development will not occur without addressing ongoing issues, including the Palestinian cause. Thus, the developments in these relationships remain complex and multi-faceted, heavily dependent on the regional and international context.
This episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
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