Shifts in Mideast
The formal opening of a Jewish diplomatic mission in Manama is an epoch-making development. It has come at a time when the Middle East is reorienting itself, and the GCC states are in for a long haul after mending ties with their erstwhile adversary, Iran. Israel making inroads is a sign of stability, and brings the Abraham Accord of 2022 full circle. A glance at the region reveals that anti-Zionist sentiments, at least, by men at the helm of affairs are fading away, and Arab governments are busy contemplating new business, tourism and technological deals with Tel Aviv. The air-dashing of Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Bahrain, along with a high-powered delegation, and his rubbing of shoulders with his counterpart Abdullatif Al-Zayani at the inauguration of the embassy is a signal for those who are out of the loop to double down for a plausible consular recognition.
The rapprochement aura since President Donald Trump made the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain and Sudan fall in line with its allied-ally, Israel, is entering its second phase. With Egypt, Jordan and Turkey already in the wings, the diplomatic cross-currents indicate a possible thaw between Saudi Arabia and the Jewish state. Prince Muhammad bin Salman is already calling the shots by making the US realise that it’s time to work for a ‘Two-State’ solution with the homeless Palestinians, if Washington’s strategic presence in the region is to be retained. Riyadh has enough of a clout to make Tel Aviv come to terms as normalisation of ties with Tehran, and a greater role for Beijing has turned the tables.
Bahrain’s embracing of Israel is a message to Qatar as well, which hosts one of the biggest US Naval fleets in the region, and yet purports an independent foreign policy. Saudi Arabia is on record asking for more advanced arms, a NATO-like arrangement with it and a civilian nuclear programme from the US, if the momentum of serenity is to be furthered. This puts Israel in the dock to behave and end its antagonism with the Middle East and Arab states. Time to watch out how Israel reciprocates.