Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Because of its reliance on the Gulf region for much of its oil and gas, China has a strong interest in preserving security in the region, an early example of which was its mediation of the recent Saudi Arabia-Iran reconciliation.
Join Carnegie’s Frederic Wehrey as he sits down with Lisa Anderson, Bessma Momani, Michael Robbins, and Sultan Alamer to discuss the current and looming challenges facing the MENA region.
The Iranian regime over the last six months had the scare of its life. Really governments like the Islamic Republic of Iran, given their lack of legitimacy, they can only rule with brutality.
The border crossings figure prominently in Iran’s strategy to ensure its control over Iraq. But despite the Iraqi population’s desire to distance itself from Iran, it is unlikely that the government will engage in border crossing reform anytime soon.
Saudi-Iranian reconciliation has meant that Tehran and Riyadh are reasserting their interests more strongly in Lebanon.
For Saudi Arabia, the China-brokered deal is a pragmatic security choice that goes beyond hedging and balancing against Washington.
Beijing’s success will depend on the policies of regional actors—particularly Iran.
A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.
In an interview, Ali Hashem argues that while Saudi Arabia and Iran did reach a deal, many differences still remain.
Saudi Arabia’s and Iran’s reconciliation serves the interests of both sides, and represents a major geopolitical shift in the Middle East.