Saudi-Iran Rapprochement
Reuters has reported that Saudi and Iranian delegations have held a meeting recently. But they did not officially confirm or deny these talks. However, the meeting did indeed take place, and that the two countries have strong reasons for easing tensions between them at this particular stage. This is what was indicated by the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, who in a television interview, has said that his country “wants positive relations with Iran, despite big differences with it.”
However, given the depth of the differences between the two countries and the multiplicity of their causes, it is difficult to expect a rapid progress in the negotiations between them, and their relations, including the possibility of restoration of diplomatic ties which have been severed since 2016 and the reopening of embassies. It will depend on the extent of progress achieved on the negotiations on nuclear issue in Vienna. However, in any case, the resumption of contacts between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a positive step in the direction of reducing tension in a conflict which affects all countries of the region and has a high cost. This is an important truce, and this dialogue is necessary. In the long term, however, tension with Iran will continue, as long as Tehran believes that establishing and supporting armed militias within sovereign Arab countries is the way to expand its influence in the region.
(Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies)
Towards a Political Solution in Libya
After seven years of war, the “enemy brothers” in Libya are getting closer to a political solution and a dialogue and are less inclined to bloody and destructive conflicts. The confidence given to the government of Abdel Hamid Dabaiba is considered the pinnacle of the path of dialogue and political solution sponsored by the United Nations. Sixty two years old Dabaiba was chosen as prime minister. He is a controversial figure. His candidacy is not considered strong enough for victory.
In this context, it is certain that there was an American role behind this significant shift in the behaviour of political parties and elites sympathetic to them in the eastern region, which is under the influence of retired general, Khalifa Haftar, who was defeated militarily, after the failure of his “invasion” of Tripoli, while Aqila Saleh suffered a defeat due to his relations with Haftar.
Despite this prominent presence of the American role in shaping the features of the current and future development in Libya, there are indicators that the transitional path is still fragile and unstable. This is due to the complete absence of Europeans and neighbouring countries, with the exception of Egypt, to a degree in these efforts.
Turkey is currently considered to have the strongest influence in the politics and ground conflict in Libya and future of its political solution. It is also considered an economic and trade partner and has a strong military presence there.
(by Mohammad Al Qabsi in Al Araby Al Jadeed)
Compiled and Translated by Faizul Haque