All articles tagged with #regional diplomacy
Iraq faces its worst water shortage in a century due to upstream dams, climate change, and mismanagement, leading it to sign a controversial oil-for-water deal with Turkey to improve water security, which has sparked concerns over sovereignty and long-term resource control.
Donald Trump is visiting South-East Asia primarily to preside over a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, amidst a backdrop of declining US influence in the region and China's growing economic and diplomatic ties, with his trip potentially doing little to alter the regional balance of power.
India is strengthening its engagement with the Taliban-led Afghan government by upgrading its mission to an embassy, supporting development projects, and hosting Taliban officials, amidst ongoing regional tensions involving Pakistan and efforts to counter terrorism and promote stability in Afghanistan.
The recent Iran-Israel war has backfired on US and Israeli strategies, leading to increased regional diplomacy with Iran, Arab states distancing from normalization with Israel, and a shift towards a multipolar Middle East where military power is less effective than diplomacy, revealing the strategic failure of unilateral policies.
Arab Gulf monarchies are trying to balance their relationships with Iran and Israel amid ongoing regional conflicts, fearing US involvement could escalate tensions and threaten their security and oil exports. They are engaging in diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and ceasefire, while also wary of Israel's actions and US unpredictability.
The leaders of Guyana and Venezuela are set to meet in an attempt to defuse a long-standing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region. The dispute escalated after Venezuelans voted in a referendum to claim two-thirds of Guyana's territory. Regional partners have pushed for the meeting, which will be attended by the prime ministers of Barbados, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The tensions have led to both countries putting their militaries on alert. Guyana's president insists that the dispute should be resolved solely by the International Court of Justice, while Venezuela argues that the 1966 Geneva Agreement nullified the border drawn in 1899. The outcome of the meeting and the resolution of the dispute remain uncertain.
The leaders of Guyana and Venezuela are set to meet in an attempt to defuse a long-standing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region. The dispute escalated after Venezuelans voted in a referendum to claim two-thirds of Guyana's territory. Regional partners have pushed for the meeting, which will be attended by prime ministers from Barbados, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The tensions have led to both countries putting their militaries on alert, and Venezuela ordering state-owned companies to explore and exploit the oil, gas, and minerals in the disputed region. The outcome of the meeting and the resolution of the border controversy remain uncertain.
The leaders of Guyana and Venezuela are set to meet in an attempt to defuse a long-standing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region. The dispute escalated after Venezuelans voted in a referendum to claim two-thirds of Guyana's territory. Regional partners have pushed for the meeting, which will be attended by the prime ministers of Barbados, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting aims to ease tensions and find a resolution to the border controversy, but it remains uncertain if any agreements will be reached. Guyana's president insists that the dispute should be resolved by the International Court of Justice, while Venezuela argues that the 1966 Geneva Agreement nullified the border drawn in 1899.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in Saudi Arabia to attend the Arab League summit, marking his first visit to the country since the start of the Syrian war. This comes after Syria was reinstated to the regional organisation this month, more than 11 years after its suspension. The move is a sign of al-Assad's regional rehabilitation, as many Arab states attempt to restore ties with Syria. The renewed Saudi-Iran ties are also expected to have positive effects on Middle East countries where the two support rival groups.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to an Arab League summit in May, marking the end of Syria's regional isolation. The move follows discussions between the two countries over a list of demands from Saudi Arabia for the Syrian government to meet as a condition to mend ties, including close cooperation on border security and drug trafficking. Syria's return to the 22-member body would be mostly symbolic but reflects a change in the regional approach towards the Syrian conflict.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pursued a series of de-escalatory measures, including a reconciliation deal with Iran, back-channel talks to remove Saudi forces from Yemen, and mending rifts with regional rivals like Qatar and Turkey. Analysts say this marks an evolution from erratic disruptor to pragmatic power player. The deal with Iran, in particular, signals maturity and a more realistic understanding of regional power politics. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will succeed and how far they will go.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pursued a more conciliatory approach to regional diplomacy, including a reconciliation deal with Iran, in an effort to minimise turbulence abroad and focus on economic and social reforms at home. Analysts say this marks a shift from an erratic disruptor to a pragmatic power player. The deal with Iran still needs to be implemented, and while the rapprochement remains fragile, the kingdom is pursuing a calibrated geopolitic reset to improve the broader regional security environment.