Arab Regimes at a Crossroads: How Palestine's Struggle is Reshaping Middle East Politics
Top Headlines during the Israel Gaza war
Funeral of Ismail Haniyeh Draws Thousands in Doha
On August 2, thousands gathered at Doha's Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque for funeral prayers honoring assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Arab and Muslim World Emissaries Show Solidarity
Dozens of emissaries from across the Arab and Muslim worlds traveled to Qatar to express solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza.
Notable Absence of Key Arab States
Representatives from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Morocco were notably absent from the funeral.
Past Unity Among Arab Leaders Now Fractured
Unlike previous events, such as Yasser Arafat's funeral, which united Arab leaders, the absences in Doha highlight a growing division.
Arab States' Shift from Palestine Support
Historically, Arab regimes used support for Palestine to legitimize their rule, but this has changed since the Arab uprisings and increased normalization with Israel.
New Alliances with Israel Signal Shift in Arab Politics
The absence of key Arab states at Haniyeh's funeral reflects a broader shift towards alliances with Israel, influenced by regional security and economic interests.
Egypt and Other States Aid Israel's Security Efforts
Egypt has coordinated closely with Israel, patrolling its Gaza border and further contributing to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Unimaginable Arab-Israeli Cooperation Now a Reality
The sight of Arab regimes openly supporting Israel would have been unthinkable in earlier decades, raising questions about the future of these alliances.
Palestine as a Former Pillar of Arab Nationalism
Palestinian liberation once played a central role in Arab national identity, used by leaders like Nasser and the Baath Party to rally support and legitimize their regimes.
Gulf Monarchies' Use of Palestine for Legitimacy
Gulf monarchs frequently invoked the Palestinian cause to enhance their legitimacy and profile, allowing for pro-Palestinian activities while suppressing domestic dissent.
Arab Authoritarian Durability Tied to Palestine Support
Political scientists argue that Arab regimes maintained their durability in part by using Palestine as a pressure valve for popular discontent.
Arab Uprisings Upend the Old Formula
The Arab uprisings of 2010 disrupted the traditional formula, leading to a wave of counter-revolutionary efforts and the rise of more repressive regimes.
Palestine as a Site of Mass Political Education
The struggle for Palestine provided a platform for alternative political narratives, challenging the moral bankruptcy of Arab regimes.
Repression and Realignment Post-Arab Uprisings
In the aftermath of the uprisings, regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE aggressively reasserted authoritarian control, aligning more closely with the US-Israeli security order.
Arab States' Shift Towards US-Israeli Vision of Security
No longer needing to pay lip service to Palestine, many Arab regimes have embraced a US-Israeli vision of regional security, culminating in the Abraham Accords.
Normalisation and the Abraham Accords Expose Hypocrisy
The Abraham Accords revealed the emptiness of the traditional Arab position that normalization with Israel would only occur after Palestinian self-determination.
Trump's Deals with Arab States Lay Groundwork for Normalization
The normalization deals brokered by Trump with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan set the stage for further alliances, with Saudi Arabia as the potential crown jewel.
Netanyahu's Vision of a 'Corridor of Peace and Prosperity'
Israeli PM Netanyahu boasted of a "corridor of peace and prosperity" connecting the UAE to Israel, reflecting a new regional order built on shaky ground.
Palestine Purged from Arab Politics Before October 7 Events
Before the events of October 7, Palestine had largely disappeared from Arab political discourse, with millions of Palestinians facing dire conditions.
Israel's Genocidal War Forces Palestine Back onto Agenda
The genocidal war in Gaza has forced Palestine back to the forefront of regional politics, frustrating the US, Israel, and their Arab allies.
Arab States Face Legitimacy Crisis Amid Support for Israel
Arab states that have supported Israel militarily and economically now face a legitimacy crisis, as popular discontent resurfaces.
Crackdowns on Pro-Palestinian Protests Highlight Repression
Recent crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests in Cairo and Gulf states highlight the growing repression in the region.
Widening Gap Between Arab Rulers and Populations
The divide between Arab rulers and their populations has never been wider, with the current situation unsustainable in the long term.
Arab Regimes Exposed by Global Shifts in the Liberal Order
The unwavering Western support for Israel's actions has exposed not only the liberal order but also the hypocrisy of Arab regimes.
Resistance Movements Gain Popularity Amid Regional Upheaval
The current moment has elevated resistance movements like Hezbollah and Ansar Allah, challenging the traditional political order in the region.
Saudi Normalisation with Israel on Shaky Ground
Saudi Arabia's potential normalization with Israel could align it with a weakened state, raising questions about the future of this alliance.
Gaza's Devastation Ensures Palestine's Enduring Relevance
Despite efforts to erase Palestine from the agenda, the unprecedented destruction in Gaza ensures that it will remain a central issue for the region.
Generation-Defining Moment for Arab Youth
The current genocide in Gaza is a generation-defining moment for Arab youth, shaping their beliefs and political choices for years to come.