29 Mar 2024
Thursday 1 June 2017 - 13:37
Story Code : 263305

Saudis reportedly invite Russia to work with 'Arab NATO'

Sputnik - Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammad bin Salman is likely to have invited Russia to work with the emerging Saudi-led military alliance in the Middle East during his visit to Moscow, political analyst Gevorg Mirzayan wrote for Sputnik.




"It is an open secret that Riyadh is trying toset upa regional bloc tocounter Iran, if not undermine its influence inthe entire Middle East. As part ofthis process, Saudi Arabia has employed Donald Trump byoffering him a trade and investment project worth $350 billion. The Saudis are also promoting the idea ofcreating an 'Arab NATO.' Apparently, Prince Mohammad discussed Russia's participation inthis project," the analyst said.


Mirzayan, Associate Professor atthe Department ofPolitical Sciences ofFinance University underthe Russian government, pointed outthat Russia seems tobe lukewarm aboutthis idea.

"Firstly, the Kremlin does not want toengage inany confrontation withIran. Russia might not likesome aspects ofIran's regional policy, forinstance Tehran's stance onIsrael, butthe bilateral relationship has not been plagued byany major challenges. This comes incontrast toMoscow's relations withRiyadh that has provided assistance toterrorist groups. This is the second reason why the Kremlin is skeptical aboutjoint strategic projects withpartners likeSaudi Arabia. Russian experts think that the reliability ofSaudi partners is minimal," the analyst explained.

In Mirzayan's view, Riyadh would make another attempt toconvince Moscow tocooperate with "Arab NATO," if it is established, duringKing Salman's upcoming visit toRussia.

Earlier this year, reports emerged indicating that the Trump administration was intalks withits key allies inthe Middle East, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, tocreate a regional military alliance toostensibly counter Iran's influence.

The new coalition, if created, is expected toadopt a collective response clause, mimicking NATO's Article 5. The bloc would also share intelligence withIsrael. However, neither Washington, nor Tel Aviv would become its formal members.

Mirzayan further said that Russia is unlikely tochange its stance onthe potential military alliance because the country is uniquely positioned toserve asa mediator inthe Middle East sinceit has working relations withall regional stakeholders, does not intend toredraw existing borders and does not aspire tobecome a regional leader. In particular, Russia could help Saudi Arabia handle some ofthe crises Riyadh has been involved in, including the war inYemen.
"As it happens, Riyadh needs Moscow more that Moscow needs Riyadh atthe moment," the analyst concluded.



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