Saudi Arabia and Iran- Harbingers of Peace or Sources of Terror
After decades of diplomatic impasse, the world powers have finally been able to find a peaceful resolution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions that is not only acceptable to the West, but has largely been celebrated by the Iranian regime itself. After years of troubling news emerging from Middle East, it happens to be a fresh air that indicates toward a hope for the regional peace and dialogue. Amidst of all the celebrations and jubilations, the skepticism toward Iran’s ambitions are still there and can only be removed by its future course of action. However, this “Historic” deal provides a chance for global powers to engage Iran in a progressive dialogue, ensuring world peace. Where it has global implications, it provides an ideal opportunity to both Iran and Saudi Arabia, which are involved in a complexed rivalry over the years, to reconcile and cooperate. The dyad of Saudi Arabia and Iran can either bring destruction or could cause peace and prosperity in the region, depending on the nature of their relationship. Each represents a mainstream ideology of Muslim faith and enjoys a great influence on millions of adherents globally.
It is believed that Saudi Arabia and Iran are both actively financing proxies in the region that are causing deadly violence in many countries. It is largely out of their mutual cynicism and categorization of each other as a threat to their national security. The current state of affairs is not at all beneficial for the security of any country in the region and can only cause more bloodshed and disintegration. If a deal is possible with “Great Satan”, then there is no reason that both the countries can’t cooperate to co-exist and progress. This article aims to suggest some fundamental steps that both the countries can take in order to improve their mutual relationship and augment quality of life of their ordinary citizens.
Open Societies are Progressive Societies
As charity begins at home, so is the change in public policy. The condition of human rights in both Iran and Saudi Arabia are unsatisfactory. Especially, minority sects in both the countries are being alienated and are living a life of discontent.Both the countries have strict press and freedom of speech frameworks and discourage social liberalization. It has led to radical popular views among their masses that obstruct government’s intention to boldly engage in any reformist agenda. In order for them to play any positive role in the region, they should break away from this vicious cycle and allow their citizens the basic human rights and encourage liberalization of economy and society. The exploitation of Shia in Sunni majority countries and the vice versa can only be stopped if each citizen is treated equally in all manners and matters of social discourse. It will not only improve the quality of life of ordinary citizens, but will also spur a positive change in the public policy as well as the reason for which a country in Middle East interferes in the affairs of the other will be eradicated. In this regard, democracy is best known to bring about human empowerment and to guarantee civil liberties.Hence, a real and functioning democracy in Iran and Saudi Arabia is key to the peace of Middle East.
Do Business, Get Prosper
The lifting of sanctions in Iran will open new doors of economic prospects for the businessmen in the region. As traditionally isolated countries such as Cuba and Turkmenistan are opening up to international investors, it indicates toward a trend of economic liberalization and manifests the fact that liberal economies guarantee a better quality of life. Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries should actively take part in the economic uplift of Iran so both the parties could prosper together and deter any future rivalry by converging their interests. It will not only improve relationship at the governmental level, but will definitely boost people to people contact and cultural exchange.
Combined Efforts, Common Cause
The West, Saudi Arabia and Iran can begin a chapter of cooperation by combining their efforts in defeating ISIS that currently controls a large area in both Iraq and Syria and also has abundance of resources at its despair. As per recent news reports, this brutal terror organization has begun using chemical weapons during its recent skirmishes with the Kurds who are trying to buffer its growing powers and control. This cooperation can bring normalcy in the region but will only be possible if both the countries withdraw their assistance to their proxies, both in Iraq and Syria. It is believed that ISIS enjoys public support as civilians are rightfully wary of Baghdad and Damascus and need to be assured of due political representation once ISIS disappears. This cooperation will provide a base for future regional collaboration and peace initiatives elsewhere, more urgently in Yemen.
End of Proxy War, Beginning of Reconciliation
Middle East is currently the most politically volatile region on Earth. From barbaric militias such as ISIS and Hezbollah to apartheid regimes such as in Syria and Israel, Middle East is currently home to both state and non-state terrorists, hence the humans of the region are faced with death and destruction on daily basis. Historically, proxies have never been in the interest of national security of any country, in fact they not only endanger regional peace but also introduces terrorism at home. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia have to stop financing troublemakers in foreign lands, such as Assad and Baghdadi, to initiate a process of negotiations in the region. The proxies are the bone of contention and reason for distrust among the two countries and each sees other as maneuvering to topple its security apparatus. Where Saudi Arabia is heavily blamed for fueling sectarian hatred in the region, Iran is also to be blamed as its proxies are currently controlling capitals in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria and is funding sectarian militias that are responsible for massive civil disintegration and chaos.
The improvement of Saudi-Iran relations is key to peace, not only in Middle East but in most of the Muslim world. The deterioration in this relationship will have serious implications and could widen current turmoil beyond Middle-East. Friends of both the countries should begin mediating a framework that can make them agree to take suggested fundamental steps in order to begin a chapter of Peace and prosperity for their people and neighbors.