As if things were not bad enough in the Middle East, just two days into 2016, Saudi Arabia sentenced to death prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr and 46 other prisoners on terrorism charges. Hearing the news, protesters in Iran ransacked and set ablaze the Saudi embassy in Tehran. In response, Saudi Arabia immediately cut off diplomatic ties, flights and trade with Iran. On Jan. 7, the spokesman of the Iranian foreign ministry criticized Saudi Arabia for bombing the Iranian embassy in Yemen and announced an embargo of all imports from Saudi Arabia. The tit-for-tat triggered a perfect storm in the Middle East and around the world.
Let us first examine the geopolitical implications. After Riyadh severed ties with Tehran, three allies — Bahrain, Sudan and Djibouti — followed suit to show solidarity. The United Arab Emirates downgraded relations to chargé d’affaires level, and Kuwait recalled its ambassador from Tehran and lodged ademarche. This means that four of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have sided with Saudi Arabia to protest Iranian actions.
There is obviously a sectarian dimension to the chain of events, which will complicate efforts to calm various regional flashpoints and fight extremism both regionally and globally. Saudi Arabia and Iran are influential players in Middle East politics: they are both deeply involved in Syria and Yemen. Strained relations between them will bring more uncertainty to the political settlement of both crises. They will also create a security “vacuum”, which will surely be exploited by the “Islamic State” and other extremist/terrorist groups. The world will balk at the spillover effects.
The Saudi-Iranian standoff is only the latest episode of a long saga. Since 2010, the “Arab Spring” has redrawn the geopolitical map of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni power, and Iran, a represent of Shia interests, have been in a fierce contest to gain supremacy in the Islamic world, which played out in both Syria and Yemen. The historic nuclear agreement which comes into force at this writing marked a rapprochement between Iran and the United States, which deepened Saudi Arabia’s anxiety over Iranian ascendancy and dissatisfaction with Washington. Until two weeks ago, the fight between Saudi Arabia and Iran did not come out into the open. Now, the gloves are off. For Saudi Arabia, its recent retaliation against Iran is also a shot across the bow intended for its American ally.
The international community has been alarmed. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged steps to de-escalate tension. US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with senior officials in both countries and encouraged reconciliatory dialogue. Russia, Algeria, Iraq and others have offered their good offices.
China has acted swiftly, urging both parties to calm down and show restraint. Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming flew immediately to both capitals. This is consistent with China’s longstanding policy and a continuation of its efforts to enhance peace and stability in the Middle East. More broadly, China has worked hard since 2010 to contain the spread of violence, alleviate the humanitarian situation and facilitate the political settlement of varioushot spots in the Middle East. China has worked and will continue to work with the United States and other major powers to reduce tension and resolve the Saudi-Iranian standoff through diplomatic channels. People can expect China to play its due part for peace and stability in the Middle East.
