Iran Press/ Middle East: Russia's military operation in Ukraine provoked widespread international reactions. Meanwhile, the reaction of the Arab countries in the West Asian region, most of which are also allies of the United States, indicates that they have become more realistic about the developments in the region.
The UAE, which is a non-permanent member of the Security Council, abstained from voting on a resolution condemning Russia for its military operation in Ukraine. Saudi Arabia has not yet reacted to the military operation and has simply asked its citizens to leave Ukraine. Jordan took a similar position to Saudi Arabia. Qatar has called for restraint on both sides. Iraq has not taken an official position either. Egypt has not yet responded to the attack. In general, these US allies have either remained silent or, in a passive position, merely demanded the withdrawal of their nationals from Ukraine.
This stance of the Arab countries, which are allies of the United States in the West Asian region, shows that these countries do not agree with the official position of the United States in condemning the Russian military operation in Ukraine. There are several main reasons for this reaction.
Reasons Arab countries do not agree on US' stance in condemning Russian military operation in Ukraine
First, these countries have come to realize that US influence and role in the West Asian region is declining.
Second, they have assessed US behavior toward Ukraine and concluded that the US basically does not support its allies in emergencies. This US policy was already expressed in 2011 against rulers such as Hosni Mubarak and Zina al-Abedin bin Ali, and now this position has been repeated in the Ukraine crisis. Thus, the rulers of these countries became distrustful of the United States.
Third, Arab countries compare the US position with that of Russia towards its allies. Russia has stood by and supported Syria since the crisis in 2011, something the United States has not done to its allies.
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Among the Arab countries in the West Asian region, Lebanon and Syria have taken a clear stand against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on Ukraine, but this hasty stance was widely criticized inside Lebanon, and even the Lebanese Minister of Labor Mustafa Beirum opposed the Foreign Ministry's position, saying that Lebanon's official position should be accompanied by a policy of neutrality. Thus, although Lebanon condemned Russia's action, there is no consensus in this regard within the Lebanese power structure and even within the government of this Arab country.
Syria is the only Arab country that has an official position in the Ukraine crisis, and there is no dispute within this country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, supported the country's anti-Ukrainian action. This official reaction of Syria shows the deep connection between the two countries. Syria, like other Arab countries, acknowledges the strengthening of Russia's position in the West Asian region.
Written by: Seyyed Razi Emadi
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