US fails to seek Middle Eastern allies' support in Ukraine conflict.Almost 1,300 exhibitors from 65 nations participate in the annual International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Several unfriendly nations will be represented at this event, including China and the United States, Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, Israel and the Gulf states, and many more. Kalashnikov Group and Rosoboronexport were two of the eight Russian armaments manufacturers present at the show. Russia has shown up at the expo previously, but the ongoing conflict in Ukraine makes this year's participation more delicate.
Although the United States has failed to convince its Middle Eastern partners to join the Western side, the United Arab Emirates has shown its policy of discreet neutrality by maintaining a neutral stance at IDEX.
The involvement of Middle Eastern countries in the Ukraine conflict could change the balance of power in the conflict. The Middle East is a strategically important region that is home to several major powers. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel have significant military and economic power and could provide significant support to Ukraine.
Moreover, the involvement of Middle Eastern countries would demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in resolving conflicts. It would highlight the growing influence of these countries on the global stage and show that countries beyond Europe and North America are willing to take a stand against Russian aggressionand support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The involvement of Middle Eastern countries could also help to isolate Russia on the global stage. It could send a strong message that the global community is united in its support for Ukraine and that Russian aggression will not be tolerated.
“„It has been clear since the start of the Russian invasion a year ago that America’s regional partners in the Middle East… were not going to take sides or get involved in the great power competition and strategic rivalry that has taken on a harder edge since 2022.- Kristian Ulrichsen, Rice University’s Baker Institute in Houston, Texas
The energy-rich Gulf States have reaped tens of billions of dollars in increased revenue due to the conflict in Ukraine. For the first time in eight years, all six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain) had budget surpluses in 2022.
By working together with Russia in the OPEC oil cartel, Saudi Arabia has been able to exert more influence over international crude oil prices, much to the chagrin of the United States.
Dubai's real estate market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) saw a boom as a result of the influx of Russian investors and entrepreneurs. It is not yet clear what form of support the Middle Eastern countries will provide. However, it is likely that it will involve financial assistance or the provision of military equipment. The provision of such support would be significant and could help Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists.
Financial assistance could help Ukraine to rebuild its infrastructure and economy, which have been severely damaged by the conflict. It could also help Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities, which have been depleted by years of conflict.
The provision of military equipment could also be significant. Ukraine has been seeking weapons and military equipment from its allies for several years now. The provision of such equipment could help Ukraine to counter Russian aggression and defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
However, the provision of support could also draw criticism from some quarters, especially given the ongoing human rights concerns in some of these countries. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have faced criticism in the past for their human rights records, and the provision of support to Ukraine could draw further criticism.
Moreover, the provision of support could also draw Russia's ire. Russia has already expressed its displeasure at the United States' move to seek support from its Middle Eastern allies. The provision of support could escalate the conflict and lead to further tensions between Russia and the United States.
The United States has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. Its decision to seek support from its Middle Eastern allies demonstrates the importance of alliances and partnerships in addressing global challenges. It also underscores the United States' commitment to Ukraine and its determination to prevent Russian aggression in the region.
The move is also significant given the United States' relationship with some of the Middle Eastern countries. The United States has been a close ally of Israel for several decades now and has close ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The provision of support to Ukraine could strain these relationships and lead to further tensions in the region.
However, the United States has made it clear that its commitment to Ukraine is a priority. It has been working closely with Ukraine to provide military assistance and economic aid. The provision of support from its Middle Eastern allies is a testament to the United States' commitment to supporting its allies and partners around the world.
The United States has increased its pressure on its Middle Eastern allies, telling them not to aid Russia in evading sanctions and forcing them to make a choice between Moscow and the West. Key Arab friends of Vice President Biden are not denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but they are keeping a careful eye on American comments on sanctions evasion.