WATCH: Iran battle could reshape Middle East power map, analyst says
The Saudi-Pakistani-Turkish alignment could keep the region “in the ideological framework of political Islam” and block commercial prosperity, Bijan warns
Iranian-Italian scholar Pejman Bijan asserts that the ongoing battle in Iran extends far beyond the Middle East, potentially reshaping the power dynamics of the entire world. The region's balance hinges on a tightrope walk between the United States, China, and Russia, with the European Union caught in the middle. Bijan argues that Europe's democratic institutions have failed to effectively address foreign affairs, leading to a passive role in global politics.
In Europe, a rift exists between those advocating for engagement with the Islamic Republic's reformist factions and those pushing for political change. This split demands a clear decision-making process, as ignoring the regime is no longer an option. The recently signed Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey is seen by Bijan as a reflection of the competing political and commercial futures in the region.
This agreement, along with the proposed Cyrus Accords, could pave the way for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which would connect India to Europe through the Persian Gulf, Arab states, and Israel.
Bijan interprets the Mecca agreement as a shift towards a pro-Chinese geopolitical alignment, with Pakistan playing a more prominent role on China's behalf. The choice between this path and a commercial-centric "New Middle East," characterized by freedom, democracy, and free trade, will have significant implications for both the Middle East and European security.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
