Saudi Arabia’s Assertive Foreign Policy and its Implications in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy has been a key factor in the country’s increasing influence in the Middle East in recent years. While Saudi Arabia has long been a major player in the region, its recent actions have challenged the status quo and brought it into conflict with the United States and the United Nations.

One of the most significant examples of Saudi Arabia’s assertiveness is its involvement in the Yemeni civil war. The conflict began in 2015 when Houthi rebels overthrew the Yemeni government, and a coalition of Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia intervened to support the government. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of aid and thousands killed or injured.

Saudi Arabia’s role in the conflict has been controversial, with the country accused of committing war crimes, including targeting civilians and using child soldiers. The US and the UN have both expressed concern about the situation in Yemen and have called for an end to the conflict. However, Saudi Arabia has resisted pressure to end the conflict and has continued to carry out air strikes and other military operations in the country.

One reason for Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the conflict is its rivalry with Iran. Iran has been accused of supporting the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia sees the conflict as part of a broader struggle for influence in the region. Saudi Arabia and Iran have a long history of hostility, and their rivalry has played out in conflicts throughout the Middle East.

The US and the UN have attempted to mediate the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but their efforts have largely been unsuccessful. Saudi Arabia has refused to engage in direct talks with Iran and has instead taken a more confrontational approach, including supporting US sanctions against Iran and taking a leading role in the blockade of Qatar in 2017.

Another example of Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy is its involvement in the Syrian civil war. While not as directly involved as in Yemen, Saudi Arabia has supported rebel groups fighting against the Syrian government, including providing them with weapons and other forms of assistance.

The conflict in Syria has become a proxy war between regional and global powers, with Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting opposing sides. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions of people and a humanitarian crisis that continues to this day.

Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy has also been reflected in its approach to its neighbors. In 2017, Saudi Arabia led a blockade of Qatar, accusing the country of supporting terrorism and aligning with Iran. The blockade caused significant economic disruption in Qatar and strained diplomatic relations in the region.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has taken a tough stance against Turkey, particularly in the aftermath of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Saudi Arabia has accused Turkey of politicizing the murder and has imposed economic sanctions on Turkish goods and businesses.

Saudi Arabia’s assertiveness in its foreign policy has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly in the West. Critics argue that Saudi Arabia’s actions in Yemen and Syria have contributed to human rights abuses and regional instability. However, others argue that Saudi Arabia is simply asserting its interests and influence in a region that has long been dominated by outside powers.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy has made it a major player in the Middle East and beyond. Its actions have drawn both support and criticism, but it is clear that Saudi Arabia will continue to pursue its interests and exert its influence in the region in the years to come.

The US has several options to address Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy in the region. Here are a few potential strategies:

– Diplomatic pressure: The US can use its diplomatic channels to pressure Saudi Arabia to change its approach. This could involve high-level talks, public statements, and the threat of economic or political consequences if Saudi Arabia does not modify its behavior.

– Sanctions: The US could impose targeted sanctions on Saudi officials or entities that are involved in activities that violate international law or contribute to regional instability. This could include sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Yemen or those involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

– Arms sales restrictions: The US could restrict arms sales to Saudi Arabia in response to its actions in Yemen or other conflicts. This would be a significant step, as Saudi Arabia is one of the largest buyers of US arms.

– Regional diplomacy: The US could engage in regional diplomacy to try to reduce tensions between Saudi Arabia and its neighbors, including Iran and Qatar. This could involve multilateral talks or shuttle diplomacy by US officials.

– Support for humanitarian efforts: The US could increase its support for humanitarian efforts in Yemen and other conflict zones in the region. This could include providing aid to refugees and internally displaced people, supporting healthcare and education initiatives, and promoting human rights and democracy.

Ultimately, any strategy to address Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy will need to balance US interests in the region with concerns about human rights, regional stability, and international law.

There are several reasons why it is important for the US to address Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy, even in the context of China’s increasing influence in the region.

Firstly, Saudi Arabia is a major player in the Middle East and a key US ally in the region. The US has significant economic and strategic interests in the Middle East, including access to oil, countering terrorism, and promoting stability. Saudi Arabia’s actions in Yemen, Syria, and other conflicts can have significant implications for US interests in the region.

Secondly, Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy has contributed to regional instability and human rights abuses, which can have broader implications for global security. For example, the conflict in Yemen has resulted in a humanitarian crisis that could have long-term consequences for the stability of the region.

Thirdly, China’s increasing influence in the region does not necessarily mean that the US should ignore other actors. While China is becoming a more important player in the Middle East, the US still has significant interests and relationships in the region that it needs to maintain. Additionally, the US and China have different interests and approaches to the region, which could lead to competition or conflict.

In short, while China’s increasing influence in the region is a significant development, it does not negate the importance of addressing Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy. The US will need to balance its relationships with multiple actors in the region and address regional challenges in a holistic manner.

The Chinese presence in the Middle East could have several implications for the region, including:

– Economic influence: China is already a major economic player in the Middle East, and its presence is likely to continue to grow. China is a key trading partner for many countries in the region and has invested heavily in infrastructure and energy projects. This could give China significant economic leverage in the region and could potentially challenge US economic influence.

– Strategic partnerships: China has been seeking to expand its strategic partnerships in the region, including with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. These partnerships could provide China with access to key resources and strategic locations, as well as influence in regional conflicts.

– Competition with the US: China’s growing presence in the Middle East could potentially challenge US interests and influence in the region. This could lead to competition or conflict between the two powers, especially if China seeks to expand its military presence in the region.

– Human rights and governance: China’s approach to human rights and governance differs significantly from that of the US and other Western powers. China’s growing presence in the region could potentially undermine efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the Middle East.

Overall, the Chinese presence in the Middle East is likely to be a significant factor in regional politics and could potentially shift the balance of power in the region. It remains to be seen how China’s growing influence will interact with existing power dynamics and how it will impact regional conflicts and stability.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy has challenged the status quo in the Middle East and has contributed to regional instability and human rights abuses. The US has a significant interest in addressing Saudi Arabia’s actions, given its strategic and economic relationships in the region.

However, the growing presence of China in the Middle East also presents a significant challenge to US interests and influence. China’s expanding economic and strategic partnerships in the region could potentially challenge US economic leverage and shift the balance of power in the region.

As such, the US will need to navigate a complex and evolving landscape in the Middle East, balancing its relationships with multiple actors and addressing regional challenges in a holistic manner. This will require a nuanced and strategic approach that takes into account the interests and priorities of all stakeholders in the region.