Saudi Arabia and Qatar are leading peace negotiations for conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, representing a growing diplomatic initiative from the Gulf. Both nations have distinctive yet overlapping roles; Qatar is known for its mediation with non-state actors, while Saudi Arabia aims for broader geopolitical engagements, leveraging relationships with Western powers.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar are emerging as pivotal players in global peace negotiations, focusing on significant conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Saudi Arabia is facilitating discussions in Jeddah involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, while Qatar is hosting talks in Doha aimed at prolonging the truce between Israel and Hamas. Their involvement underscores a strategic diplomatic initiative from the Gulf states to address these pressing international issues.
Both nations share strong relations with the U.S., particularly with former President Donald Trump, despite a historical rift stemming from geopolitical disagreements. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. This diplomatic crisis was alleviated only with the Al-Ula Agreement signed in January 2021.
While both countries are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) along with other Gulf nations, their foreign policies diverge on many points, especially regarding security and conflicts throughout the region. Qatar’s support for groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood contrasts sharply with Saudi Arabia’s opposition to such affiliations, contributing to past tensions, including a significant diplomatic crisis.
Differing views on Palestinian representation further illustrate these discrepancies; Saudi Arabia recognizes the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative, whereas Qatar supports Hamas. Conversely, both nations have maintained a balanced approach towards the Ukraine-Russia conflict, advocating for mediation between both parties.
Qatar has cultivated a reputation for mediating international conflicts, notably the U.S.-Taliban negotiations that facilitated America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. Its relationships with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood bolster its influence in the region, allowing it to act as a critical intermediary in Israeli-Palestinian discussions.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia has its history of successful mediation, including the Taif Agreement, ending Lebanon’s civil war, and facilitating talks involving various regional players. By leveraging its leadership within OPEC+, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its role as a global mediator, particularly following requests by Western powers to stabilize oil production.
Experts indicate that continued negotiations by Saudi Arabia and Qatar could yield progress, as both maintain crucial relationships with the involved parties. They argue that Gulf nations operate cohesively despite some differences; efforts in one state can reflect a unified aim across the region.
Hassan Barqi, a former Saudi diplomat, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s balanced approach in mediation without hidden agendas, while Russian ambassador Alexei Skosyrev praised the country’s international standing. Experts believe that Saudi Arabia’s current relationship with the Trump administration positions it well to influence conflicts, and Qatar’s ties with Hamas strengthen its bargaining power in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar are positioning themselves as key mediators in global diplomatic efforts, particularly around the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Their complex historical relationships, geopolitical stances, and varying approaches to regional issues illustrate the nuanced nature of their diplomatic roles. The potential for successful negotiations is bolstered by both nations’ strategic alliances, their credentials as mediators, and a shared goal of enhancing their influence on the global stage.
Original Source: themedialine.org
