The Butterfly Effect has taken flight. China’s diplomatic accomplishment in reconciling Saudi Arabia and Iran could have far-reaching consequences, with Ukraine’s future caught in its wake. The unexpected nature of this historic move means that its ramifications are rapidly gaining momentum and could unleash a tidal wave of global proportions, particularly in Europe.

China has maintained a minimal presence in the Middle East over the last few decades, but Beijing’s mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia demonstrates that Beijing is staking out a new, positive role in the region.

Israel’s security concerns should be respected, but the U.S. cannot ignore the other side of the story. It should help make peace between Israel and Palestine by restricting Israel’s hard-line approach. If America’s humanitarian concerns are genuine, it should take action.

The failure of the U.S. president’s Mideast visit in July can be attributed largely to insensitivity over the legitimate concerns of GCC countries. It’s yet another example of America’s long-standing pattern of pushing for its own agenda at the expense of others’ dignity.

President Joe Biden’s trip didn’t measure up to expectations. That’s because America’s hegemony in the region is not what it used to be. If the Biden administration had recognized this early, U.S. diplomacy would have been more rewarding.

Locked in a mindset of great power competition, the U.S. president has been trying to find a new balance. Decades of military involvement in the region not only cost the U.S. dearly but also provoked a sort of psychological fatigue.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent trip to the Middle East was disappointing at best against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine. The Biden administration’s attempt to promote allegiance against Russia and promote oil production has ultimately fallen flat.

Can the U.S. president accomplish his goals during his Middle East trip? Oil is the top priority, but the chance of success is perhaps 50 percent. Shaping an anti-Russia coalition won’t happen. Yet, Israel does offer some relatively low-hanging fruit.

America wants to back away some, but not entirely, as the region has become an important geopolitical factor. So U.S engagement will be limited. With Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific in play, it cannot afford to add resources to the Arab region.

American policy in the Middle East has Saudi Arabia thinking about selling oil to China in Chinese yuan rather than U.S. dollars. The shift would weaken the dollar’s dominant position in the global oil market.