Author:  Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

Middle-East is becoming a great attraction for superpowers. The origin of Islam, Makkah, Madinah, and Jerusalem is in the Middle East and are holy places for around two billion Muslims living in almost all corners of the world. It is a region blessed with natural resources, especially Energy – Oil, and Gas. The region is in instability and turmoil since the creation of the Jewish state of Israel in the heart of the Muslim world. 

Americans' unlimited, unconditional, and illogical support has encouraged the state of Israel to opt for an aggressive attitude and kept on occupying Arab lands for almost seven decades. The State of Israel is a defaulter to by UN, by not implementing the UNSC’s resolution of Palestine and crossing all limits of human rights violations. 

The recent visit by the US president Mr. Joe Bidden to the Middle East was aimed to strengthen Israel and facilitate it for further aggression. Unfortunate! His meeting with Palestinian authorities was also arranged and he has expressed his support for the two-state solution – one state for Palestinian and another for Jews- Israel. His stopover in Jeddah was aimed to ease the supply of oil and control the prices of oil in the international market. Although during his visit, the oil prices dropped down, but, it was an artificial and temporary phenomenon. A sustainable energy solution lies in the settlement of the Ukraine war, which the US is reluctant to seek a peaceful solution. He also met the GCC council in Jeddah and discussed matters of mutual interests.

One of the most important agendas of his visit was Iran’s nuclear program. Although he was of the opinion to halt Iran’s nuclear program, and he was taking all possible measures based on sanctions, political and diplomatic means to achieve his goals. But, Israel wanted military action against Iran’s nuclear program. Israel insisted on the use of force and finally convinced President Biden to announce it too.

The creation of I2U2 was also the outcome of this trip. The alliance among diverse nations with highly diverse interests. However, the American interest was to gang up against China and Russia.

Followed by Iran’s visit by Russian President Putin, was a reaction to President Joe Biden’s visit. President Putin’s visit has strengthened the strategic partnership and cooperation, which covers almost all domains. As both countries are a victim of American imposed sanctions and found common ground for strengthening cooperation and collaboration. 

President Putin also met Turkish President Erdogan too. Although Turkey is a NATO member, but, is also disgruntled and faced many embarrassments from the US. Based on common interests, Turkey and Russia are developing cooperation and collaboration further.

The leaders of the two countries with the world’s most powerful nuclear arms, the US and Russia, were in the Middle East recently – both on a mission to further their own interests. But President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin did not meet. So why were these two leaders there? And what difference will their visits make to the region? 

The region will be polarized and divided into two blocks and weakened further. It may become an easy target for Israel and outsiders. On one hand, they are keeping their eyes on the Middle East’s energy-rich resources and wealth, and on another hand political influence and affiliations. 

There existed some differences among middle-eastern nations, but, most of them are irrational and created based on a misunderstanding. There exists a severe lack of trust and lack of unity among them. Superpowers understand their weaknesses and are exploiting them in their own interests. 

It is urged that the whole Ummah may understand each other, forgive each other, forget differences, and unite according to the true Islamic spirit and teaching of the Holy Prophet Muhammad May Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH). There are 57 Muslim countries (OIC), blessed with enormous natural resources, by numbers they are around two billion, and every fourth or fifth person in this world is Muslim. Only unity and true Islamic values and spirit may restore their lost status in the international community. Muslims have ruled India for almost eight hundred years, and Khalaphit Osmania (Ottoman Empire) rule part of Africa, Asia, and Europe for six centuries. It is all possible to revive our traditions and prestige, only through true Islamic values.

May Allah protect Islam and Muslims, and guide us on the true path of the Quran and Sunnah. Ameen.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)