Reconciliation, Not Rivalry, Marks Region's Politics
Gulf Today|September 27, 2021
Nevertheless, determined to reduce further the US global military footprint, the Biden administration has removed Patriot anti-missile batteries from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Jordan and laid down plans to drawdown its regional troop deployment from 44,000
Michael Jansen
Reconciliation, Not Rivalry, Marks Region's Politics

The gradual US disengagement from this region in favour of a pivot toward Asia has launched a process of reconciliation among countries which have been estranged by competition and rivalries.

This process has been given fresh impetus by developments at the annual opening of this session of the UN General Assembly.

In his pre-recorded address to the Assembly — delivered after more than five years of tension between Riyadh and Tehran — Saudi King Salman voiced the hope that ongoing direct talks between the neighbouring countries will produce confidence-building measures and dialogue. While he said relations between them must be conditioned on respect for national sovereignty and an end to Iran’s backing for sectarian militias, he also gave his support for European Union-sponsored talks in Vienna aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. His statement appeared to signal a change in policy. The kingdom had opposed the 2015 six-power agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for ending sanctions, arguing that once they were lited, Iran would increase its involvement in Arab affairs.

In his Assembly speech, Iran’s new hardline President Ebrahim Raisi expressed readiness to return to the nuclear deal, which the US had abandoned in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Talks have been suspended while he assembled his foreign policy team. He has made it clear his objective is lifting all sanctions not just those related to the nuclear deal.

This story is from the September 27, 2021 edition of Gulf Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 27, 2021 edition of Gulf Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GULF TODAYView All
Bayern's bid for 10th German League title boosted by rivals' disarray
Gulf Today

Bayern's bid for 10th German League title boosted by rivals' disarray

Bayern are cruising unbeaten at the top of the league table under new coach Nagelsmann and their challengers from last season are in disarray. They have won their last nine matches in all competitions and scored at least three goals in each game

time-read
3 mins  |
October 01, 2021
Pakistan Pavilion at Expo spotlights Balochistan
Gulf Today

Pakistan Pavilion at Expo spotlights Balochistan

Visitors will get to see the strides women in Pakistan have made and the importance of their development

time-read
3 mins  |
October 01, 2021
Defence cooperation between UAE, Pakistan grows stronger
Gulf Today

Defence cooperation between UAE, Pakistan grows stronger

Sheikh Mohamed and General Bajwa discussed relations of friendship and joint coordination between the two countries in defence and military affairs

time-read
3 mins  |
October 01, 2021
England's Buttler reiterates to pull out of Ashes tour if not allowed to meet family in Oz
Gulf Today

England's Buttler reiterates to pull out of Ashes tour if not allowed to meet family in Oz

But whether the wicketkeeper-batsman also features in the five-Test Ashes series is open to doubt amid questions over the severity of COVID-19 restrictions confronting Joe Root’s men in Australia

time-read
3 mins  |
October 01, 2021
Balmain celebrates ten years with designer at Paris Fashion Week
Gulf Today

Balmain celebrates ten years with designer at Paris Fashion Week

An emotional recorded message by Beyonce opened the evening show, paying tribute to the French designer who she said strove to put diversity at the heart of his fashion

time-read
2 mins  |
October 01, 2021
Brazil's Palmeiras Advance To Copa Libertadores Final Again
Gulf Today

Brazil's Palmeiras Advance To Copa Libertadores Final Again

BELO HORIZONTE: Defending champions Palmeiras booked their place in the final of the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, securing a batling 1-1 against Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro to advance on away goals.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 30, 2021
Chennai Look To Tighten Grip On Top, Hyderabad To Play For Pride
Gulf Today

Chennai Look To Tighten Grip On Top, Hyderabad To Play For Pride

Chennai are siting at the top of the standings with 16 points, having won eight of their ten matches. They are in stupendous form and have been unbeaten in the UAE leg of the tournament. CSK have notched up three victories on the trot to maintain their stranglehold on the summit

time-read
3 mins  |
September 30, 2021
Britain Deploys Soldiers To Deliver Fuel, Says Official
Gulf Today

Britain Deploys Soldiers To Deliver Fuel, Says Official

Petrol stations’ union says only 27% reported being out of gasoline while taxi drivers say there appeared to be little signs of the situation improving

time-read
3 mins  |
September 30, 2021
Cabinet Ministers Of UAE Sworn In At Qasr Al Watan
Gulf Today

Cabinet Ministers Of UAE Sworn In At Qasr Al Watan

The ministers expressed their appreciation for the trust of the leaders of the UAE

time-read
3 mins  |
September 30, 2021
Expo 2020 Star-Studded Opening Ceremony Will Mesmerise World
Gulf Today

Expo 2020 Star-Studded Opening Ceremony Will Mesmerise World

Opening ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country

time-read
4 mins  |
September 30, 2021