The first image that comes to many Americans and even the rest of the world’s mind when it comes to the middle east is American soldiers, fighting terrorists. For many years, that was the only image you could find on the internet and the news. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan defined what most of the western world thought the middle east was, a nomadic, illiberal world that was out to destroy the west. Iran and its formerly powerful dictatorship under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad didn’t help improve that image either. Then the Syrian crisis broke out in 2014, where Bashar Al Assad started using chemical weapons on his own people.
Needless to say that the developed world did not think highly of the middle east. The United States tried to broker a deal with Iran over peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy with the JCPOA, but that was later struck down by President Donald Trump, with most Republicans fearing it would help Iran improve its capacity to make nuclear weapons. The west backing Israel in the Palestine situation and against Iran has further derailed the Middle East’s image. But, in recent years there has been a shift within the Middle East, and its influence is spreading.
Saudi Arabia, which is seen as one of the bridges between the west and Middle East, is looking for a new direction. King Salman wants to look outwards and start to become more involved with the world. Saudi Arabia has always been an ally of the United States, and the largest trade partner in crude for many years. But recently, Saudi Arabia has joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an observer state. King Salman even stated that he is willing to discuss trading oil in the Chinese Yen to China instead of the US dollar. Beijing also played an important role in helping establish relations between Riyad and Tehran, which a few years ago that idea would not have been conceivable.
The Saudi’s aren’t the only ones who want to become involved on the global stage. Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait are also looking to become world leaders. Qatar just recently held the most watched World Cup in 2022. Even with the workers’ controversy, it was a step in the right direction for the Arab world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are becoming international trade hubs and tourist destinations, which is important for becoming world players. The Middle East is on a fast track to becoming world powers, but it definitely has some obstacles.
The first is initiating trade deals with the west. After many years of turmoil with the west, it may be tough to understand why the Middle East should even consider making trade deals with the west and not just move east. But, working the west can resolve any tensions that still may occur, and creating new landmark trade deals for goods or even oil, will elevate their status in the world. The next is to start trading with the east. China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN are all not resource rich states, especially when it comes to oil. Establishing new oil trade deals will help foster new partnerships with the East. Saudi Arabia joining the SCO as an observer state is crucial for the Middle East’s world status.
The future of the Middle East looks bright. It has a beautiful culture, and a new outlook to bring their status to the world stage.
Author: Joshua Cheatham
