Why Fareed Zakaria Gets it Right: Israel, Hamas, and the Saudi Equation
As a casual observer of geopolitics in the Middle East, you’d be forgiven for feeling that the cyclical conflict between Israel and Hamas is one of those intractable issues with no end in sight. However, Fareed Zakaria’s latest column, “Israel should respond to Hamas by keeping the Saudi deal alive,” presents an intriguing argument that reframes how one might think about resolving this ongoing crisis. Published on October 13, 2023, Zakaria challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that a diplomatic engagement between Israel and Saudi Arabia could be a pivotal lever in creating a more stable Middle East. In my opinion, Zakaria hits the nail on the head. Here’s why.
A Strategic Alliance for a Stronger Deterrent
Firstly, let’s consider the core proposition: Israel’s pursuit of a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia isn’t just any Middle Eastern nation; it is a regional powerhouse, both economically and politically. It has significant clout over its neighbors and is a key ally of the United States. Zakaria posits that the establishment of a strategic alliance between Israel and Saudi Arabia would effectively deter Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas, from aggressive actions.
Imagine the political and military capital of such an alliance. Iran, an ardent supporter of Hamas, would now face a formidable bloc that carries not just local influence but international weight under the aegis of the U.S. Such an alliance could significantly alter Tehran’s calculus in funding or arming groups like Hamas. And it’s not just about Iran; the mere perception of a stronger, unified front could act as a deterrent to other groups or states that might be contemplating hostile activities against Israel or Saudi Arabia.
Rippling Effects on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Zakaria also raises an essential point about how a Saudi-Israeli peace deal could have a constructive impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia holds a unique position in the Arab world. Its endorsement of peace talks and compromises could create a shift in perspective that compels both Israel and the Palestinians to reconsider their current stances. While this wouldn’t be a magic wand to resolve longstanding grievances, it would infuse fresh energy into peace talks and possibly tip the scales towards a more sustainable solution.
The Counterarguments and Their Limits
Of course, the path to such a deal is fraught with challenges, as Zakaria readily acknowledges. Opposition from hardliners, Saudi Arabia’s questionable human rights record, and uncertainty about the Biden administration’s commitment to the Middle East are all legitimate concerns. However, every significant stride in diplomacy comes with its set of hurdles and ethical quandaries. Here, the potential upside of reshaping a volatile region into a more stable one is too significant to ignore.
A Historic Opportunity
In conclusion, Zakaria’s insights offer more than a mere op-ed; they present a roadmap for a strategic rethinking of how to approach the Israeli-Hamas conflict. While the idea of an Israeli-Saudi alliance may raise eyebrows, perhaps it is high time we entertain unconventional solutions for a problem that conventional wisdom has failed to solve. Diplomacy is often about choosing the lesser evil, and if aligning with Saudi Arabia helps neutralize greater threats and nudges the region toward peace, then the benefits do indeed outweigh the costs. It would be a historic missed opportunity not to explore this avenue for the betterment of the Middle East.
