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Text: Xu Xu.
Edited by Xu Xu.
The United States recently proposed to sign a "protection agreement" with Saudi Arabia, a move that has aroused widespread concern in the international community.
This not only reflects the urgent desire of the United States to maintain its influence in the Middle East, but also highlights Saudi Arabia's growing independence and autonomy as a regional power.
Behind this move is anxiety about the changes in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, and at the same time, it also exposes its arrogance and short-sightedness in handling international relations.
Saudi Arabia faces a difficult choice of whether or not to accept the deal, and its decision will have far-reaching implications for the entire Middle East. This incident reflects the profound changes that are taking place in the international order today, and deserves our in-depth discussion and reflection.
The "protective" ambitions of the United States
Why did the United States suddenly propose to sign a "protection agreement" with Saudi Arabia? What is the strategic intent behind this? This move has undoubtedly aroused widespread concern and speculation in the international community.
On the surface, the United States seems to be motivated by the security of its allies. But if we look at the reasons for this, it is not difficult to see that this is actually a means for the United States to try to regain control of Saudi Arabia.
Over the past few decades, the United States has played the role of "protector" of Saudi Arabia. However, with the changing times, this relationship has undergone a fundamental shift.
The rise of Saudi Arabia and the anxiety of the United States
Why is the United States so desperate to reassert its influence over the Saudis? Behind this is the deep concern of the United States about the changes in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia's rapid development in recent years has been remarkable. From economic power to military capability to diplomatic influence, Saudi Arabia has become a veritable Middle Eastern power.
This change is unsettling for the United States. Saudi Arabia, which used to be the only one who followed the lead of the United States, is now becoming more and more independent in the international arena and even dares to contradict the United States on certain issues.
To understand the complexity of the current U.S.-Saudi relationship, it is necessary to review the historical evolution of the relationship between the two countries.
After the end of World War II, the United States, by virtue of its superpower status, fully "protected" Saudi Arabia. During that period, Saudi Arabia was heavily dependent on the United States for oil, military, diplomacy and many other aspects.
However, with the development of the times, especially after entering the 21st century, Saudi Arabia's national power has increased rapidly. Its economic strength and military capabilities have made a qualitative leap, and its voice in regional affairs has also increased day by day.
Even more noteworthy is the fact that Saudi Arabia has begun to pursue a pluralistic foreign policy. It is no longer just the United States to follow suit, but is actively developing relations with China, Russia, and other countries. This change is putting pressure on the United States.
At the same time, the relative decline in the strength of the United States itself. The huge damage caused by the new crown epidemic, the international strife such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the difficulty of even Yemen's Houthis to deal effectively have dealt a serious blow to the image of the United States as a superpower.
The international community has had mixed reactions to the "protection agreement" proposed by the United States.
Some people hold that this is a necessary move by the United States to maintain stability in the Middle East. It has also been pointed out that this reflects the growing distrust of Saudi Arabia in the United States.
Some analysts believe that the US move is to curb China's growing influence in the Middle East.
Then, we can't help but ask: Under the current complex international situation, can the United States really achieve its strategic goals in this way? How should Saudi Arabia respond to this challenge?
In-depth analysis: U.S. strategic miscalculations
This move by the United States reflects its arrogance and short-sightedness in handling international relations. In today's world, force or threat alone cannot sustain long-lasting international relations.
The United States seems to have forgotten a fundamental fact: times have changed dramatically. Saudi Arabia is no longer the small country that needs all-round "protection" from the United States, but a regional power that has the ability and willingness to be independent on the international stage.
The U.S. attempt to maintain control of Saudi Arabia by signing a "protection agreement" is not only lacking in reality, but is also likely to backfire. It could further spur Saudi national pride and push the kingdom to seek more diversified international cooperation.
It is worth noting that the United States even used the 911 incident as a bargaining chip to threaten the Saudis.
This kind of behavior, which is akin to "international confrontation," not only violates the norms governing international relations, but also exposes the incompetence of the United States in handling complex international issues.
Future outlook and countermeasures
In the face of US pressure, Saudi Arabia's response will directly affect the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
From an optimistic perspective, Saudi Arabia may take this opportunity to further demonstrate its independent diplomatic stance and promote a more balanced international relations in the Middle East.
But from a pessimistic point of view, if Saudi Arabia succumbs to US pressure, it could trigger a new round of turmoil in the region.
Perhaps the wisest option for Saudi Arabia is to continue its pluralistic foreign policy and seek a balance between the great powers. At the same time, it will further strengthen its own strength and enhance its voice in international affairs.
As far as the international community is concerned, it should respect the sovereignty and independence of Middle East countries and support regional countries in resolving issues independently, instead of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries at every turn.
Netizens are hotly discussed: the collision of wisdom from multiple perspectives
This incident quickly aroused heated discussions among netizens on the Internet.
Some netizens believed: "The United States is playing with fire." Trying to use the old methods to control the new era of Saudi Arabia will only backfire. Saudi Arabia is no longer the small country that was manipulated by others. "
Some netizens also pointed out: "This move by the United States reflects its anxiety about the situation in the Middle East." As emerging powers such as China increase their influence in the Middle East, the United States feels threatened. But using threats to maintain influence will only accelerate your own decline. "
Some netizens analyzed: "Saudi Arabia is facing a difficult choice. If it accepts the 'protection' of the United States, it may undermine its independence and leadership in the Middle East; If they refuse, they may face pressure from the United States. The key is for Saudi Arabia to be wise and find a balance in the great power game. "
Interestingly, some netizens quipped: "The United States wants to be a 'godfather'!" It's a pity that Saudi Arabia has grown up a long time ago, so why do you need a 'godfather' to protect it. This kind of paternalistic diplomacy is outdated, and it is time for the United States to move with the times. "
Some netizens analyzed from a historical perspective: "Looking back on history, we will find that any country that tries to maintain hegemony through force or threat will eventually be unable to escape the fate of decline." If the United States does not change this way of thinking, I am afraid it will be difficult to avoid such an outcome. "
These comments reflect the keen insight and deep thinking of netizens on the international situation, and provide us with a diverse perspective to understand this complex issue.
Conclusion: Profound Enlightenment under the Transformation of the International Order
The U.S. attempt to sign a "protection agreement" with Saudi Arabia reflects the profound changes that are taking place in the international order today. This is not only a question of US-Saudi relations, but also a microcosm of the changes in the entire international landscape.
In this multipolar world, any country that tries to maintain its influence through threats or coercion will face the fate of failure. The real influence of a major power should be based on mutual benefit and win-win results, rather than unilateral control and suppression.
For Middle Eastern countries, this incident also provides an important enlightenment: only by maintaining strategic autonomy in the great power game can national interests be truly safeguarded. At the same time, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting the de-externalization of Middle East affairs are the fundamental ways to achieve long-term peace and stability.
Finally, we can't help but ask: in this rapidly changing world, how should countries build a fairer and more reasonable international order? This is a question that deserves deep consideration by everyone who cares about international affairs.