In the long history of military and diplomacy in modern times, the Middle East has always been an arena for global powers to wrestle with its rich oil resources and strategic location. Especially since the end of the Cold War, the United States, as the sole superpower, has significantly increased its influence in the region, and its involvement in Middle East affairs and its policy choices have often affected regional and even global security and stability. In the 21st century, China has gradually expanded its global influence with a peaceful rise attitude, especially under the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative, and China's relations with Middle Eastern countries have become increasingly close. China's actions in the Middle East focus on promoting local economic development and regional stability, often in a non-confrontational and cooperative manner, in contrast to the traditional U.S. approach of military intervention or political pressure.
Washington has been on high alert and continues to seek to reassert its influence in the Middle East. The U.S. strategic goals in the Middle East are complex and varied, with the need to secure its interests in the global energy chain while maintaining its commitment to allies while guarding against the expansion of influence by geopolitical rivals. The deepening of China's relations with Middle Eastern countries, especially China's active role in the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, is seen as challenging the traditional interests and influence of the United States in the Middle East. Against this backdrop, the new round of U.S. push for the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel reveals its determination to adjust its strategy and rebalance regional forces. It cannot be ignored that the recent complexity of the situation in the Middle East has further intensified.
To sum up, when analyzing the motives and background of this US action, we have to take into account the overall security pattern of the Middle East, the internal political needs of the United States, and China's role in the peace and development of the Middle East. The U.S. push to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel is not only in stark contrast to the current fierce situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but also at odds with the latest position of the international community in the UN Security Council. It can be said that this diplomatic move by the United States has exposed the contradictions and challenges in its Middle East policy, and at the same time, it has also reflected the growing concern and influence of international forces in the Middle East. The recent visit to Saudi Arabia by US adviser Jake Sullivan marks the determination of the US side to try to reposition its strategic influence in the Middle East.
The United States recognizes that with China's demonstrated diplomatic capabilities in the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, and in an environment of continued hostility toward Israel from other countries in the Middle East, action must be taken to maintain strategic advantage in the Middle East. The U.S.'s attempt to normalize Saudi-Israeli relations not only reflects concerns about China's growing influence in the Middle East, but also highlights its sense of powerlessness in handling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The United States has sought to weaken China's peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East to some extent by influencing Saudi Arabia's foreign policy to forge new regional alliances. However, Saudi Arabia is wary of U.S. demands for normalization, realizing that a rapprochement with Israel could trigger a chain reaction in the Middle East and escalate tensions in the region.
The series of agreements signed between Russia and Middle Eastern countries, as well as the announcement of Saudi Arabia and Iran's stated intention to cooperate militarily, show that international relations in the region are rapidly evolving. This action by the United States appears to be a bit hasty, and is even seen as ignoring the current situation in the Middle East and the sentiment of regional countries. U.S. policy in the Middle East has always been known for its complexity and fickleness, and the current changes in political forces inside and outside the region have made the implementation of U.S. policy toward the Middle East more challenging. Sullivan's visit will not only have to face huge geopolitical obstacles, but also the pressures of the domestic political environment in the United States. The domestic politics of the United States, especially the upcoming **, will undoubtedly have an impact on its foreign policy.
The normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel will not only take into account Israel's position on the issue of Palestinian statehood, but also take into account the reaction of other countries in the region and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. The consequences of this move by the United States are complex and far-reaching, and it may redefine the political landscape in the Middle East and have a profound impact on regional security and stability. In the midst of the great ship of international politics, the Middle East has always been a choppy sea. For the sake of their own strategic interests, the major powers are constantly exerting influence on this land in an attempt to reshape the regional balance of power. The U.S. push to normalize Saudi-Israeli relations, while fraught with strategic considerations, also reveals the possibility of peace and cooperation.
Military scholars often say that strategic positioning needs to conform to the trend of the times and adapt to changes in the international pattern. Today's world is in a period of great change and adjustment, and any attempt at unilateralism or power politics is against the current. Against this backdrop, actively promoting peace and development, international cooperation and multilateralism is the right choice to conform to the trend of the times and win wide recognition from the international community. In peace-building in the Middle East, the international community should make concerted efforts to contribute to lasting peace and common prosperity in the region and the world at large.