Precarious Mideast

Crests and troughs in the Middle East are surely unravelling the fragile peace. Warring parties seem to have resumed hostilities, and the diplomatic tone too is getting harsh. Iran is defiant as it wants the US to squarely account for the ceasefire 'violations' it had carried out by raining down missiles over its mainland. Likewise, the tit-for-tat naval blockade by Washington at the mouth of Arabian Sea is taking a toll as the supply chain is increasingly getting hampered, giving rise to food and oil security concerns. Thus, the Iranian strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have shattered peace prospects. Coupled with Israel's relentless bombing of South Lebanon, these actions present a major obstacle to reaching a permanent regional agreement.

The goalpost shifting by President Trump, ironically on an hourly basis, has made a mockery of US strategy in the region. One moment, the impulsive leader eulogises the arch-foe, Iran, for its "understanding of diplomacy" and hints at a deal coming soon; the next he insists that the Islamic republic has capitulated, and he is going for an all-out military solution. The point is that the US has not been able to protect its allies in the region, and the so-called military umbrella has gone for a toss. Moreover, Tehran's pushback to ensure that American interests come under fire has exposed Washington's strategic bankruptcy. To cripple it further is the Israeli intransigence that has sabotaged the diplomatic successes attained over the last few weeks.

It seems as if there is a free-for-all in the region: Yemenis have blocked the Bab al-Mandeb Strait; Pakistan has carried out strikes on terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan; Ankara has flown sorties over Iraq; and Israel is out to invade Lebanon. The situation is getting precarious all over. This calls for a grand huddle of heads and hearts on a one-point agenda of stepping back from the brink. The least that is desired is to give peace a chance with both the US and Iran recalibrating their diplomatic skills for a quid pro quo.