America’s Muslim Allies Hedge Against Washington

In recent years, Washington’s relationships with its Muslim-majority allies in the Middle East have become increasingly complex. Gone are the days when the US could rely on a straightforward bipolar approach to the region. Instead, a diverse array of alliances and partnerships has taken shape, each with its own distinct characteristics and motivations.

The Shift Away from Saudi Arabia

The US’s shift away from Saudi Arabia as its primary partner in the region is one of the most significant developments. This change has been driven by growing unease with Riyadh’s human rights record, particularly in Yemen, where civilians have suffered greatly during the ongoing conflict. Washington has also become increasingly concerned about Saudi Arabia’s role in regional politics, including its support for Islamist extremist groups and efforts to undermine Iranian influence through proxy forces.

As a result, the US has begun to diversify its partnerships with Muslim-majority countries, seeking out new allies that share more of its values and priorities. Egypt and Jordan have been at the forefront of this effort, expressing concerns about Saudi Arabia’s behavior and strengthening their ties with the US. Egypt, in particular, has emerged as a key player in regional security affairs, hosting joint military exercises with the US and cooperating on counter-terrorism efforts.

Countering Iranian Influence

The US is working closely with its Muslim allies to counter Iran’s growing presence in the region. This effort involves military cooperation, joint intelligence sharing, and diplomatic efforts aimed at isolating Tehran. One key aspect of this strategy is the US support for regional forces opposed to Iranian influence, including Sunni Arab tribesmen who have long been at odds with Shia-dominated Iran.

Egypt and Jordan are playing important roles in this effort, with Cairo providing logistical support for anti-Iranian operations in Syria and Amman working closely with Washington on intelligence sharing and military cooperation. The Gulf states, particularly Qatar, are also involved, seeking to balance their close ties with Tehran against their need for security guarantees from the US.

Strengthening Ties with Egypt and Jordan

Egypt and Jordan have emerged as key partners for the US in its efforts to counter Iranian influence. Both countries have a long history of cooperation with Washington dating back to the Cold War era, but recent years have seen their relationships take on a new level of depth and complexity.

Egypt’s role in regional security affairs has been particularly significant, hosting joint military exercises with the US and cooperating closely with Washington on counter-terrorism efforts. Jordan has become an increasingly important player in the region, thanks to its stability and relatively moderate stance on key issues such as Palestine and Syria.

The Role of Islamic World Order in US Policy

The concept of an “Islamic World Order” is influencing US policy towards Muslim-majority countries. This idea, championed by figures like former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, envisions a new global order based on Islamic principles and values.

Many Muslim-majority countries view this concept as an attractive alternative to Western-dominated international institutions. The US has responded cautiously to these developments, seeking to balance its own interests in promoting democratic values and human rights with a recognition of the need for greater cooperation and engagement with Muslim-majority countries.

Challenges to US-Muslim Ally Relations

Despite progress made in recent years, challenges remain to US relationships with its Muslim allies. One key issue is the continued problem of human rights abuses in many of these countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The US has struggled to balance its desire for cooperation on security issues against its obligations under international law to promote human rights and democracy.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the Gulf states also poses a challenge, with both sides taking steps that have undermined regional stability and increased tensions with Washington. Additionally, there is the question of how effectively the US can work with Muslim-majority countries on issues such as counter-terrorism and security cooperation, particularly in light of the complexities and nuances of these relationships.

Implications for Global Policy and Security

The implications of the US’s shifting approach to Muslim-majority countries are far-reaching, affecting not just regional stability and security but also global policy and security more broadly. As Washington seeks to rebalance its relationships with key allies such as Egypt and Jordan while countering Iranian influence, it must navigate a complex web of competing interests and priorities.

A potential consequence of this new approach is a shift towards greater cooperation among Muslim-majority countries on regional security issues, potentially paving the way for more effective counter-terrorism efforts and stability in the region. However, this outcome will depend on various factors, including Washington’s ability to manage its relationships with key allies and partners while avoiding entanglement in regional conflicts.