A.S. Ibrahim: China takes over for America in the Middle East

MARY REICHARD, HOST: Today is Tuesday, March 28th. Good morning! This is The World and Everything in It from listener-supported WORLD Radio. I’m Mary Reichard.

NICK EICHER, HOST: And I’m Nick Eicher.

The Chinese Communist Party has earned a new nickname for its often anti-American diplomacy–it’s known as “wolf-warrior diplomacy.”

Today, WORLD Opinions commentator A.S. Ibrahim explains China’s latest diplomatic foray into the Middle East.

A.S. IBRAHIM, COMMENTATOR: Once again, China shocks the world.

In a momentous sign of strength, assertiveness, and influence, Chinese diplomats supervised an unexpected deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Within two months, the two rival Muslim nations will reopen their respective embassies and restore their diplomatic relations after seven years of tension and isolation. The details of the deal—besides the exchange of diplomats—are ambiguous, but its message is loud and clear: China is a major leader in Middle Eastern politics.

The two Muslim nations clearly sought to send a message to the West.

Traditionally, these kinds of diplomatic super deals have been cut under the patronage of global Western titans like the United States, United Kingdom, and France. But now, the Muslim nations made a calculated step to grant China a major diplomatic victory. Muslim signers paved the way for China to emerge as a giant of Middle Eastern diplomacy.

The deal also clearly serves as a testimony of the severe failure of U.S. foreign policy under President Joe Biden, particularly in the Middle East, especially as compared to his predecessor.

Unlike Biden, former President Donald Trump was clear about his disposition towards the Middle East. In his first international trip to the region, Trump visited Saudi Arabia, treating it as his major ally against radical Islamist movements and thus consolidating efforts against al-Qaeda and ISIS. He also sharply isolated Iran by withdrawing from Obama’s nuclear deal.

Despite all allegations against Trump as anti-Muslim, Saudi Arabia—as the major Sunni Muslim power worldwide—valued his leadership and showed interest in his policies. Eventually, the Kingdom granted the green light for the Abraham Accords, opening the doors for many Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel.

When Biden took office, U.S.-Saudi relations deteriorated severely, because he floundered. Lacking the charisma of Obama and the determination of Trump, Biden’s policies resulted in the United States losing the enthusiastic support of one of her major allies in a socio-politically complex region.

While many Arab countries have voiced their concerns about Iran’s threats, Biden showed reluctance to clearly condemn the Shiite regime, thus confusing the Arab nations. For at least a year into his presidency, Biden entertained the very bad idea of reviving Iran’s nuclear deal. Attempting to appease his political base, Biden sought to marginalize Saudi Arabia, only to discover he chose a truly bad direction.

Biden’s decisions—or their lack thereof—forced the Arab nations to seek other strategic allies. China was ready and seized the opportunity. The discreet China-led negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Iran took over a year and occurred in various places. In the absence of visionary and assertive U.S. leadership, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented himself as a strong alternative leader in Middle Eastern affairs.

There is more to cover on this deal, but one question and answer are clear: Who is the major winner of floundering and indecisive U.S. foreign policies? The Beast of the East, China.

I’m A.S. Ibrahim.

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