Iran-Saudi Relations: A New Beginning In The Region

Asem Mustafa Awan

The diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, under the mediation of China, have been restored and the world is welcoming the effort made by China.

It is an important development towards the security and constructive development of the region that has been marred by the proxy wars in the past spanning over decades.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is taking revolutionary steps for the construction and rebuilding of Saudi Arabia in particular and the region in general.

Saudi Arabia’s relations with Qatar in the past were strained, but with renewed efforts from Prince Mohammed bin Salman, they are back to normal and Saudi Arabia’s recent role in assisting Turkey after the devastating earthquake has won the hearts of entire Muslim Ummah.

The restoration of diplomatic relations with Iran will lead to a new era in the region.

Syria, Lebanon and even Yemen are on the brink of total annihilation owing to Saudi-Iran tensions in the past.

It is also worth mentioning that in fuelling the conflicts, the role of America and Israel can’t be overlooked as global politics have their own dimensions and the Middle East has been soaked in blood for decades.

Israel and the United States in particular are watching the development in a different manner after the restoration of relations between the two brotherly countries. I

It is a fact that China’s mediation played a key role in the restoration of Iran-Saudi relations which in a way stamped China’s dominance in the region.

It is believed that China, with its developmental model that encompasses prosperity for all, will change the world’s fortunes. The vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping encompasses the entire world which was unipolar not long ago.

The road to sustainable peace instead of wars is the Chinese President’s goal and bringing the two foes together deserves all praise. Pakistan, with its geo strategic location, can attain the maximum benefit from it, provided it gives political stability a chance which in turn results in economic stability.

The world is changing and new alliances are being formed, and Pakistan must act fast to get itself out of isolation owing to the near collapse of its economy.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.