Beware of Iran’s goals

The threat posed by Iran as well as the dangers of extremism will dominate the discussions led by top defense experts and officials from across the world at this year’s Manama Dialogue, which was launched yesterday.

The event is being organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Sir Tom Beckett, Executive Director at IISS, said, “Some of the most significant policy questions facing the Middle East are not, at their root, security issues. Diversification from hydrocarbon economies, climate change and a bulging youth demographic are longterm concerns. From these flow existential challenges.”

“The existing social contract in some Gulf economies, to name one example, rests on petrodollar disbursement, but securing the future for poorly educated, social-media connected, unemployed or wastefully employed youth will be difficult.” “But as the region faces up to these long-term issues, it is challenged by two immediate threats: Iran and extremism.” Jordan’s Foreign Minister delivered the speech of King Abdullah II yesterday at the event.

Following the tragic deaths of schoolchildren and adults in recent flash floods in Jordan, King Abdullah, decided to stay in Jordan. “IISS regrets to announce that His Majesty is unable to deliver his scheduled keynote address at the opening dinner of the 14th IISS Manama Dialogue, having decided to stay in Jordan to oversee the rescue efforts and share in his people’s grief. Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Foreign Minister, will instead deliver His Majesty’s speech on his behalf,” the IISS said in a statement.