In a rapidly changing Middle East, Saudi Arabia has risen to prominence, employing skillful diplomacy to outmaneuver its rivals. Within the last three months, Saudi Arabia has strategically positioned itself, executing moves that have put Israel in a precarious position. This has led to Israel’s international isolation, while simultaneously positioning Saudi Arabia as a secure nation in the Gulf, bolstered by a deal with Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East by land area, shares borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen. It also has maritime borders in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Concerned about its borders after an Israeli attack on Qatar, Saudi Arabia has sought to secure its defenses. While the US has been a security ally, the Qatar incident prompted Saudi Arabia to seek alternative security arrangements.
The defense deal with Pakistan signifies that an attack on either nation constitutes an attack on both. This strategic partnership, combined with Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, introduces a deterrent effect. In exchange, Saudi Arabia will invest in Pakistani infrastructure, including its railway, healthcare, and energy sectors, strengthening their partnership. The Saudi-Pakistani deal has significantly improved Saudi Arabia’s security in the Gulf region, and, according to experts, has also impacted the expansionist aims of Greater Israel.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has initiated a diplomatic push for a two-state solution, advocating for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state as a prerequisite for Middle Eastern peace. This initiative has gained traction, with support from several European and Commonwealth nations, while the US remains Israel’s primary ally. This shift in diplomatic alignment represents a significant setback for Israel.
If a Palestinian state is established, it is poised to have its own military capabilities, which poses a challenge for Israel. Saudi Arabia has also been pursuing dialogue with Iran. Despite the historical rivalry between the two countries, discussions on security issues have taken place.
The recent maneuvers showcase Saudi Arabia’s strategic acumen in reshaping the regional power balance.