Why Saudi Arabia is Quietly Cosying up to Iran

Summary

The video discusses the collapse of the Abraham Accords, a peace initiative aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia. While the accords initially sought to create an anti-Iran axis, the situation has shifted dramatically. Saudi Arabia, disillusioned with Israel’s actions in Gaza, has moved closer to Iran and Turkey, signaling a growing regional reorientation. The video explores how the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has evolved, with Saudi Arabia now prioritizing stability over its previous anti-Iran stance, and highlights the complex interplay of politics and alliances.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Abraham Accords aimed to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, with the goal of countering Iran's influence.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia initially appeared open to normalization with Israel, motivated by mutual opposition to Iran, especially after the 2019 drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
• 😀 Despite early optimism, the normalization process with Saudi Arabia collapsed after Israel resumed its war in Gaza, breaking a ceasefire in early 2023.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia, which once seemed inclined toward Israel, began to distance itself and move closer to Iran and other regional powers like Turkey.
• 😀 The turning point for Saudi Arabia's shift came when Israel proposed expelling Palestinians from Gaza and suggested a new Palestinian state inside Saudi Arabia.
• 😀 Saudi state media became more vocal against Israel and Netanyahu after the resumption of Israeli military actions in Gaza, calling out the occupation and its impact on the region.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia began advocating more strongly for a two-state solution and presented an alternative plan for Gaza's post-war future, which was rejected by Israel and the U.S.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia's rapprochement with Iran intensified in early 2023, with high-level visits and diplomatic support for a potential Saudi-Iran security pact, a stark contrast to previous years.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia also strengthened ties with Turkey, another vocal critic of Israel, to bolster regional stability and cooperation on Syria, signaling a shift in regional alliances.
• 😀 The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since 2020: Iran's proxy network weakened, Israel's politics veered right under Netanyahu, and Saudi Arabia now sees Israel as a greater regional threat than Iran.

Q & A

What were the Abraham Accords, and why were they significant?

The Abraham Accords were a series of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab countries, notably Bahrain and the UAE, aimed at fostering peace in the Middle East. These accords were significant as they shifted regional dynamics, moving some Arab states towards formal relations with Israel, especially in light of mutual concerns about Iran's influence in the region.

How did the Abraham Accords aim to address tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors?

The Abraham Accords sought to normalize relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors by prioritizing shared interests, such as countering Iran's regional influence, rather than the traditionally divisive issue of Palestinian statehood. These agreements were also driven by a shared desire to achieve greater stability and security in the Middle East.

What role did Iran play in the development of the Abraham Accords?

Iran's growing regional influence was a key motivator behind the Abraham Accords. Both Israel and certain Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, viewed Iran as a major threat, which made them more willing to pursue normalization of relations with Israel despite the Palestinian issue.

What was Saudi Arabia's position on the Abraham Accords, and how did it evolve?

Initially, Saudi Arabia showed interest in normalizing relations with Israel, largely driven by the shared opposition to Iran. However, Saudi Arabia's position shifted after Israel resumed its assault on Gaza in 2023. This led Saudi Arabia to distance itself from Israel, criticizing Israeli actions and moving closer to Iran and other regional players like Turkey.

Why did the normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel collapse?

The collapse of normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel was largely due to Israel's military actions in Gaza, including the resumption of strikes after a ceasefire and discussions about forcibly expelling Palestinians. This led to a significant shift in Saudi Arabia's stance, as the kingdom grew more critical of Israel and closer to Iran.

How did Saudi Arabia's foreign policy shift after the collapse of normalization talks with Israel?

After the collapse of the normalization talks, Saudi Arabia shifted its foreign policy towards building stronger ties with Iran and other regional players like Turkey. The kingdom also became more vocal in advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contrasting with its previous position of closer alignment with Israel.

What is the significance of Saudi Arabia’s rapprochement with Iran?

Saudi Arabia’s rapprochement with Iran marks a significant shift in regional alliances. The kingdom, which had previously viewed Iran as its primary regional adversary, is now engaging diplomatically with Tehran, suggesting a change in priorities, with Saudi Arabia increasingly seeing Israel as a greater regional threat.

What role does Turkey play in Saudi Arabia's new diplomatic approach?

Turkey has become an important partner for Saudi Arabia as the two countries have deepened security ties and collaborated in areas like Syria. This rapprochement is partly driven by mutual concerns about Israel's actions in the region, and marks a significant thawing of relations that had been strained since the Arab Spring.

What factors have influenced Saudi Arabia's decision to pivot towards Iran and Turkey?

Several factors have influenced Saudi Arabia’s decision, including the political instability in Israel, the increasing rightward shift of Israeli politics under Netanyahu, and concerns about Israel's military actions. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's economic rebalancing and the broader desire for a more peaceful Middle East have also played a role in this shift.

How have media outlets reported on the evolving Saudi-Israel dynamic?

Media coverage has varied, with left-leaning outlets focusing more on the potential for a Palestinian state and right-leaning outlets highlighting the nuclear talks with Iran. This reflects differing perspectives on regional stability and the role of Israel in the ongoing geopolitical shifts.