Middle East in Flux: The Impact on Pakistan.

Byline: Yemeen Hasan

The recent developments in the Middle East have attracted the attention of analysts and policymakers worldwide. The region that had been conflict-ridden for several decades is now on a path of rapprochement. Coupled with that are the modernization attempts, which have made the region unrecognizable to many Westerners who view it as predominantly conservative. These geopolitical shifts have mainly been fueled by the changes in the international system after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The global energy and food crisis triggered alarm among all state actors. A major shift was observed in trade relations as European, Asian, and African countries started seeking new avenues for energy and food imports.

This gave Middle Eastern states a golden opportunity to turn the dynamics in their favor. Moreover, China's willingness to catalyze the deconfliction process proved to be an ultimate game-changer. Frameworks analyzing regional interactions claim that cooperation facilitates the resolution of conflicts and promotes collective prosperity. Iran and Saudi Arabia had been at odds for years. The relations further deteriorated in 2016 after the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia. This event not only invited immense condemnation by the world authorities and human rights organizations but also led to a diplomatic stalemate between Iran and Saudi Arabia for many years to come. Moreover, both states held diverging religious and ideological views, which led them to support opposing parties in the Syrian conflict and the Yemen war.

This, along with a series of unfortunate events, helped to sever Saudi-Iranian ties for an extended period. In recent years, there has been an improvement in Iran-UAE diplomatic ties. Both states have officially collaborated for regional stability and prosperity. Both leaders have pledged not to make the current decade the same as the last one. De-escalation has been viewed as the ideal policy option by both states. To this end, the UAE has emphasized collective diplomacy among Arab states to resolve the crisis in the Middle East.

The recent trade agreements between Iran, Iraq, and the UAE are key steps toward regional prosperity. Developments in the region have also intrigued international actors. After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, there was an increase in collaboration between Russia, Turkey, and Iran. All three states discussed the prospects of resolving the Syrian crisis as well...