Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s Pivotal Role in Global Peace Negotiations

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are leading crucial diplomatic negotiations to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Saudi Arabia is engaged in talks with the US, Ukraine, and Russia, while Qatar is negotiating between Israel and Hamas. Despite past tensions, both states have united in their roles as mediators, leveraging their diplomatic relationships to influence international peace efforts.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are currently spearheading significant diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Saudi Arabia is facilitating discussions in Jeddah with representatives from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia regarding the Ukrainian war, while Qatar is hosting talks in Doha between Israel and Hamas to explore the prospects of extending the truce and establishing a long-term accord.

Both Gulf states maintain robust relations with the United States, particularly with former President Donald Trump. However, their diplomatic history is marked by tension, particularly after Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf nations severed ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting extremist groups. This diplomatic crisis continued until the Al-Ula Agreement was signed in January 2021, just prior to Trump’s departure from office.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, and also belong to the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Despite these affiliations, their foreign policies often diverge, especially regarding security and regional conflicts, leading to a rivalry that has impacted various nations including Syria and Libya.

While both nations advocate for Palestinian rights, they disagree on Hamas. Saudi Arabia regards the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of Palestinians, opposing Hamas, while Qatar supports Hamas’ existence in both political and military arenas. Interestingly, in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, both nations have maintained balanced relations with Moscow and Kyiv, proposing mediation efforts previously.

Qatar has acquired a reputation for mediating in conflicts, notably negotiating between the US and the Taliban, which resulted in the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. Its influence extends to Palestinian negotiations due to its ties with Hamas, as it hosts several political figures from the group. Conversely, Saudi Arabia has engaged in numerous diplomatic efforts historically, including the pivotal Taif Agreement of 1989 that ended Lebanon’s civil war, and has worked on various negotiation efforts related to the Palestinian Authority and Yemen.

Experts suggest that the diplomatic efforts of Saudi Arabia and Qatar could significantly advance peace processes. The close links that Doha has with Hamas and Riyadh’s connections to the Trump administration, alongside their respective stances towards Russia, position them as essential mediating parties in international negotiations.

Hassan Barqi, a former Saudi diplomat, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s role in mediation, highlighting its balanced position with all parties involved. He indicated, however, that direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis are likely to be improbable given Saudi Arabia’s lack of relations with Israel.

Furthermore, the potential for cooperation among Gulf states was also noted. Barqi remarked that Gulf nations typically work collectively towards successful negotiations, fostering a sense of unity rather than competition. Alexei Skosyrev, the Russian ambassador to Bahrain, praised Saudi Arabia’s significant standing in the diplomatic arena.

There is a consensus among observers that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are both adept at playing the mediator role, with capabilities to influence dialogue effectively. Mohammed Al-Assas, a Saudi political analyst, remarked on the overarching ambition shared by Gulf states to increase their diplomatic roles globally, further facilitated by their stable and balanced relationships with various nations.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have emerged as pivotal players in global peace negotiations, leveraging their diplomatic relationships and historical mediation experiences. Their ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes is indicative of their growing influence as key mediators in resolving international conflicts, aiming for enduring peace within their respective regions and beyond.

In summary, the involvement of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in current global peace negotiations illustrates their significant roles as mediators in international conflict resolution. Despite historical tensions, these Gulf states leverage their positions, diplomatic ties, and mediation histories to affect change, particularly in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The partnership between these nations exemplifies a collaborative approach in striving for peace and stability on the global stage.

Original Source: themedialine.org