A New Era for the Middle East? Manama Dialogue Seeks Answers
TDT | Manama
Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com
The 20th IISS Manama Dialogue in Manama, Bahrain, has become a stage for both urgent pleas for peace and accusations highlighting deep-seated regional tensions.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, focused on the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza. He stressed that the international community needs to act with renewed resolve to pursue a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Prince Faisal warned that inaction would further erode the credibility of the international community. This statement aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-standing position of promoting regional stability, and their willingness to leverage their economic resources to foster peace and prosperity.
A starkly contrasting perspective emerged from HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, chairman of King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. He strongly condemned the inaction and double standards prevalent among some international actors. HRH Turki highlighted that "talking without walking" and hypocrisy will not bring peace to the region.
He further lamented the lack of genuine statesmanship, emphasizing the difference between managing a crisis and truly resolving it. HRH Turki pinned some hope on the United States, urging the US to take a more active role in fostering peace. This highlights a potential shift in foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their desire for a more robust US approach to the region.
The dialogue also delved into sensitive topics like colonialism. HRH Turki declared Israel to be the "last colonial part of the region," insinuating acts of genocide against Palestinians. He emphasized the importance of holding Israel accountable for its actions on the international stage. These accusations suggest a rise in anti-Israeli sentiment within certain regional actors and a potential escalation of tensions.
Building Trust
Sir John Chipman, the Executive Chairman of the IISS, emphasized the critical role of the Manama Dialogue in facilitating trust-building and fostering constructive dialogue. He acknowledged the current state of the international order as "rules-broken" and called for a renewed commitment to establishing a more stable and secure global environment.
Sir John's statement reflects the importance of the Dialogue as a platform for open discussions and the need to move towards a new framework for international cooperation.
The Manama Dialogue's first session has highlighted the complex challenges facing the Middle East. Ultimately, building trust, fostering open communication, and finding solutions that address the concerns of all parties will be crucial for achieving lasting peace in the region.
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