the recent NATO meeting; A show for understanding or political division?

The 75th annual meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was held in the midst of the call of the United States for the large presence of Arab countries, which raised questions about the reason for the participation of Arab countries and its benefit and possibility in the shadow of NATO’s anti-Russian approach, as well as contradictions and It has caused its differences regarding the Gaza case since the beginning of the war 9 months ago.

Experts believe that this invitation is made due to the escalation of tensions in the West Asia region and may include the US’s attempt to polarize and appear as a stronger alliance against its rival, Russia.

The presence of heads of Arab countries in the annual meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has several reasons. It is said that the presence of Arab countries in the NATO summit can help establish a ceasefire and stop the war in the Gaza Strip. This invitation has happened while NATO is supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia and many NATO members and partners are at odds over Israel’s war against Gaza. This issue shows the efforts of Arab countries to facilitate the dialogue between Russia and Ukraine or mediate for the exchange of prisoners between them. In general, Arab countries have been invited to the NATO summit in order to strengthen regional cooperation and manage contradictions in the region.

Among and as one of the important Arab countries, the escalation of tensions in the West Asia region has had an impact on the relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. In recent years, efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and the Zionist regime have been challenged by tensions and changes in the region. Also, according to many experts, the intensification of tensions between Arab countries and the increase of differences in the field of political problems and dilemmas can lead to a more complicated security environment in the West Asia. Finally, the impact of these tensions on Saudi-Israeli relations is clearly significant and requires appropriate solutions to reduce these tensions and establish stability in the region.

On the other hand, many Arab countries play various roles in solving regional and global problems.  Some of these roles include: Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, play important roles in the developments in Afghanistan. They try to fill the void caused by the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Arab countries play an effective role in the new regional structure. This structure affects the regional order. Territorial and border disputes between Arab countries play an important role in regional relations.

In general, Arab countries are influential in solving regional and global problems due to their regional context and different roles. On the other hand, Arab countries play different roles in solving the Gaza crisis, including: condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza, standing by the Palestinian nation, asking for an immediate end to tensions and pursuing the peace process in the region.

Arab countries, according to their capacities, are important in trying to relate the Palestinian issue to the world and facilitate peaceful solutions. Arab countries have played different roles in solving regional and global crises. These roles depend on the history, context and capabilities of each country. For example:

Historical developments: Some Arab countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, have normalized relations with Israel by changing their orientation towards the Zionist regime, and despite the widespread internal protests of the nations.

Development of military capabilities: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar have acquired more advanced military capabilities. These countries have increased their defense budgets and strengthened their international influence.

Interaction with Iran: Some Arab countries have made efforts to reach an understanding with Iran. This interaction can be effective in reducing tensions and solving regional crises. Many Arab countries have also started negotiations with our country due to the potentials and rich natural resources in Iran to strengthen their abilities and power in various fields and have advanced it to some stages.

But in general, it seems that the role of Arab countries in solving crises depends on the history and existing conditions. It is said that the meetings of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) play an important role in strengthening deterrence against global crises. In these meetings, issues ranging from strategic changes to strengthening support for member countries are discussed. For example, in the 2022 meeting, NATO made decisions that caused this meeting to be described by many observers as one of the most important meetings of this organization in recent decades. Also, NATO is working to strengthen its deterrence against regional and global threats. Of course, these efforts sometimes take on a contradictory face and include increasing the US military presence in Europe and changing NATO’s strategic document in order to describe Russia as one of the main threats to this military alliance.

In the meantime, some say that Arab countries do not have the necessary legitimacy to act in various political fields, especially sensitive regional issues, due to their inaction and silence in the face of Gaza crimes. The silence of the Arab countries regarding the war in the Gaza Strip is reflected for various reasons. This issue can depend on the history, regional context and political interests of each country. Below I mention some of the reasons for this silence:

First of all, political interests that some Arab countries prefer to deal with tensions in the region and remain silent about Palestine due to political interests. Internal preoccupations: Some countries are involved in internal problems, political and economic changes and pay less attention to Palestine.

Second, the theoretical differences that different opinions about peace solutions in Palestine have caused differences in the attitude of Arab countries.

In general, the silence of the Arab countries regarding the Gaza war shows regional contradictions and challenges. Gaza is considered a sensitive and important issue in the region for Arab countries. As a part of historical Palestine, this region faces a complex history of contradictions and contradictions. For some countries, it is morally and politically important to support the Palestinian people and resolve the Gaza issue. On the other hand, political interests, theoretical differences, and internal preoccupations cause some countries to remain silent on this issue. In general, Gaza is seen as a symbol of the struggle of the Palestinian people for their rights and the realization of an independent state.

The meetings of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) often show conflicting and flawed approaches due to strategic and theoretical differences on regional and global issues. These differences may arise in terms of interactions with non-NATO countries, military commitments, policy decisions, and even conflicts of interest arising from countries’ different positions in the region and the world. In general, NATO meetings are important as an opportunity for exchange of views, interaction and joint decisions between member countries, as well as interaction with non-member countries, and should be an opportunity to resolve political dilemmas, not an opportunity to create more tension among countries!

Reporter: Somia Khalili