Date : 22/11/2023
Relevance: GS Paper 2 - International Relations
Keywords: I2U2, IMEEC, Abraham Accord, IOC
Context-
The recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict has brought significant challenges to the ongoing regional normalization process. The issue of Palestine, a longstanding concern, has resurfaced, impacting diplomatic relations and strategic interests in the Middle East. Notably, the responses from key players, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, reveal the complexities of balancing long-term interests amid the current crisis.
About Hamas
- Overview:
Established in 1987, Hamas is a Palestinian political and militant group formed as an offshoot of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood. It emerged as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation. - Historical Background:
Founded with the aim of pursuing its agenda through violent jihad, Hamas gained popularity as a resistance movement combating Israeli occupation and competing with Fatah for support. Its roots trace back to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. - Terror Designation:
Since 1997, the United States, along with Israel and most of Europe, has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. This designation reflects the view that Hamas employs violence for political objectives. - Ideological Beliefs:
Hamas staunchly adheres to the belief that no part of Palestine's land should be compromised or conceded. It rejects any alternative to the complete liberation of Palestine, reflecting a steadfast commitment to its ideological principles.
Divergent Interests in Emergency Sessions:
The emergency session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in Riyadh showcased a lack of Arab consensus beyond condemnation. The meeting, attended by Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, revealed divergent long-term interests among participating states. Iran's open support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah adds a layer of complexity to regional dynamics.
About IOC
- The OIC is the second largest intergovernmental organisation after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states.
- It is the collective voice of the Muslim world.
- It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
- The Organisation of the Islamic Conference was established by the First Islamic Summit Conference held in Morocco in September 1969, to marshal the Islamic world after an act of arson at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jersualem by a 28-year-old Australian in 1969.
- Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
About Arab League
- Arab League, also called League of Arab States (LAS), is an intergovernmental pan-Arab organisation of all Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa.
- It was formed in Cairo, Egypt on 22nd March 1945, following the adoption of the Alexandria Protocol in 1944.
- Currently, there are 22 Arab countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Strategic Interests and Inflection Points:
For countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the ongoing conflict poses a challenge to their vision of long-term stability. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2021, marked a shift from historical conflicts to a future focused on functional stability. Initiatives like the I2U2, an economic and trade ecosystem involving India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, symbolize the potential of this "new" Middle East.
About Abraham Accords
Signed in - 2020
Agreement between - United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel.
Mediated by – The US
Objective- To normalise ties between these Arab Gulf states and Israel.
Following the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, 5 Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Morocco and Sudan) have established diplomatic ties with Israel.
UAE's Tempered Response and Accords Strain:
The UAE's measured response to the conflict, initially condemning Hamas's actions, underscores the delicate balance required in maintaining the Abraham Accords. While the UAE reasserts support for the Accords, its partners, like Bahrain, pause trade, revealing strains within the normalization process.
Saudi Arabia's Normalization Process:
Saudi Arabia, also moving towards normalization with Israel, faces challenges highlighted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Despite acknowledging the fundamentals of normalization, caution prevails, influenced by the tumultuous aftermath of the Arab Spring.
Iran's Utilitarian Strategy and Regional Impact:
Iran's strategic approach, supporting various militias across the region, reflects a utilitarian version of targeting adversaries. The prospect of a unified Arab-Israeli block, with US backing, against Iran presents a geopolitical shift with profound implications.
Impact on I2U2 and Regional Mechanisms:
While the ongoing crisis poses a setback to initiatives like I2U2, the Abraham Accords and other regional mechanisms are unlikely to collapse. The crisis serves as a test for these mechanisms to demonstrate their resilience and effectiveness in navigating geopolitical challenges.
I2U2
The I2U2 Group is a new strategic partnership formed between India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. It is also referred to as the West Asian Quad/Middle East Quad/New Quad.
It was established to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
The main objective of this grouping is to promote economic development, scientific innovation, and regional stability.
Member countries committed to working together to address common challenges and explore new opportunities for growth and progress.
India's Balancing Act:
India, a participant in the I2U2 and other initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), faces a delicate balancing act. Abstaining from a UNGA call for a truce while later voting against Israeli settlements reflects India's commitment to a sovereign Palestinian nation and a two-state solution.
About IMEEC
- The proposed IMEC will consist of Railroad, Ship-to-Rail networks and Road transport routes extending across two corridors, that is,
- The East Corridor – connecting India to the Arabian Gulf,
- The Northern Corridor – connecting the Gulf to Europe.
- The IMEC corridor will also include an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline and a high-speed data cable
Centrality of the Palestinian Crisis:
The Hamas attack has rekindled the centrality of the Palestinian crisis in shaping the future of the region, emphasizing that any regional design, be it economic or political, cannot overlook the Palestinian cause. The message conveyed through terror impacts not only Israelis but also resonates within the Arab world.
Conclusion:
The current geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, marked by the Israel-Hamas conflict, poses challenges to the envisioned stability through normalization processes. The delicate balance required by key players like the UAE and Saudi Arabia reflects the intricate web of regional interests. As initiatives like the Abraham Accords navigate this crisis, the centrality of the Palestinian crisis reiterates that any sustainable regional framework must address the longstanding concerns of the Palestinian people. The ongoing turbulence serves as an opportune moment for regional mechanisms to showcase their effectiveness in the face of geopolitical complexities.
Probable Questions for UPSC mains Exam-
- Discuss the role of the I2U2 Group in enhancing cooperation and stability in the Middle East, and analyze its potential impact on regional geopolitics. (10 marks, 150 words)
- Analyze India's foreign policy approach, considering its participation in initiatives like I2U2 and IMEEC, in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader Middle East dynamics. (15 marks, 250 words)
Source- Indian Express
