The question of recognition about:reader?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.com.pk%2Fstory%2F2360...

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The question of recognition | The

Express Tribune
M Zeb Khan June 08, 2022

5-6 minutes

UAE-Israel deal is actually an avowed expression of the

convergence of strategic interests between the two countries

the writer is a phd in administrative sciences and associated with

szabist islamabad he can be reached at dr zeb szabist isb edu pk

The writer is a PhD in Administrative Sciences and associated with

SZABIST, Islamabad. He can be reached at dr.zeb@szabist-
isb.edu.pk

“There are no permanent friends and foes; only permanent

national interests”. This may sound selfish and parochial but it is
precisely what governs international relations in general. As
national interests change, so do friends and foes in the
international arena and one should be prepared to adjust to the
objective conditions on ground. Cursing others for what they do is
of no use (and may be sometime counter-productive) if one has
lost vitality and relevance in the given situation. Moral precepts
also do not move far beyond rhetoric in a world defined and
dictated by material considerations.

The question of whether or not to recognise Israel has resurrected

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again in public discourse in Pakistan with no rational answer

thanks to emotional attachment to the cause of Palestine
developed over the years. The UAE’s strategic decision to
normalise relations with Israel was the first major departure from
what seemed to be a united stand of the Arab world since the
1967 war. What this may have prompted is partly driven by a
different vision for the Middle East.

Prior to the 1979 revolution in Iran, the entire Gulf region was one
voice against the expansionist project of Israel and always
extended full support to Palestine in its struggle against an
occupying power. Israel depended on the West, particularly the
US, for its security and political legitimacy. The Iranian revolution,
paradoxically antagonising the West, proved a blessing in disguise
for Israel.

Following the revolution in Iran, a historical rift between Shia and

Sunni sects, which had lost much of its meaning and importance in
public life for many centuries, resurrected itself with more fervour
on both sides reshaping the political landscape. Saudi Arabia,
blessed with wealth and influence after 1960s, assumed
leadership role in promoting the Salafi brand of Islam to contain
Iran within its borders.

As of today, the Saudi-Iran rivalry has helped Israel in making

friends in the Arab world. The US, under President Trump, made
all-out efforts to punish Iran through economic sanctions but most
importantly through increased collaboration between Israel and the
Arab countries. The UAE-Israel deal is actually an avowed
expression of the convergence of strategic interests between the
two countries. The more Iran tries to project itself as a regional
power, the more is the likelihood of Israel-Arabs bond getting

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stronger.

In all this reconfiguration of the Middle East, Israel, while earnestly

seeking strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and others, never
compromises on its core national interests. The idea of two-state
solution for resolving the Palestinian conflict does not seem to be
relevant anymore. Israel is pushing forward with settlements and
annexations with no intention of giving Palestinians their legitimate
rights. The vulnerabilities of the Arab countries have made Israel
an irresistible occupier.

The most obvious and key vulnerability of most Arab countries is

the absence of public representation in governments. Dynastic
rule, being the norm throughout the region, has not only happened
to be unaccountable and arguably prodigal, has manifested itself
in disenfranchisement of the whole population. The marginalised
classes are always prone to manipulation by external powers and
this is what makes the war-by-proxies an instrument of choice
against established monarchies.

In this tug-of-war between Iran and the Saudi-led Arab countries,

Israel would continue to expand rather than contract politically,
geographically, and economically. Unlike Turkey, Egypt and
Jordan, the UAE would prove as a catalyst in normalisation of
Arab-Israel relationship. It is only a matter of time when Saudi
Arabia, too, will fall in line thanks to its internal political dynamics
and persistent pressure by the US to come closer to Israel as a
bulwark against Iran.

All these developments in the Middle East leave Pakistan in a

moral dilemma. Its founding father had decreed that Israel could
not be recognised without Palestinians given their political rights.

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Pakistan’s official position so far is a reflection of the public

sentiments and the Quaid’s stance on Israel. However, it would
become more and more difficult for Pakistan to resist pressure
from different quarters following the flight of Arab countries
towards Israel one after the other. Let us hope our economic woes
do not make us blind to our moral obligations!

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2022.

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