"Doing something"-Saudi Arabia's foreign policy

Saudi Arabia, an important country in the Middle East, has recently taken the lead in a series of diplomatic maneuvers. On February 8, it helped Fatah and Hamas to reach the Mecca Agreement; on March 3, it held a high-profile reception for the visiting Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; and on March 28, the summit of the Arab League will be held in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is the strongest economic power in the Middle East and the holy land of the Islamic world. However, it has not been as diplomatically active as other big countries in the Middle East for some time. Are its dazzling new moves reflective of a change in Saudi Arabia's diplomatic style?

Western media guess that the US is behind the change. It is indisputable that Saudi Arabian diplomacy is influenced by the US's Middle East policies, because they are traditional allies. However, the diplomatic strategy of all Middle East countries, whether an ally or not, is affected by the US. Interpreting Saudi Arabia's diplomatic moves begins with a study of the intricate situation in the Middle East.

There are currently four distinct problems in the Middle East. The first, in Palestine, is the conflict between Palestine's Fatah and Hamas. The second is in Iraq, where sectarian killings by Iraqi Sunnis and Shiites are common. The third problem is in Lebanon, where there is a conflict between the Shiite-supported Hezbollah and the Sunni-supported Lebanese Prime Minister, Fuad Siniora. These are the three problems singled out by the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz. Although the reasons for the formation of these three problems are quite different, to some extent, Iran has played a role in their formation. To develop nuclear technology and handle US and EU sanctions, Iran needs to strengthen its regional influence and show it.

There remains only the fourth and most serious problem in the Middle East ¨C the regional power imbalance, caused by Iran's rising status. Iran's rising status is a consequence of the US-led war in Iraq and end of Saddam Hussein's government. In this sense, Iran has gained the most from the US-led invasion of Iraq.

As a neighbor of Iran, Saudi Arabia must take diplomatic steps to protect its own interests. Saudi Arabia has tended to remain low-profile in diplomacy, but has acted at crucial times. During Morocco's Fes conference in 1982, the Arab League agreed on eight proposals for peace in the Middle East, which were put forward by the former King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Ibn Abdul- Aziz. In 2002 at the Beirut summit, the Arab League passed the Arab Peace Initiatives, which was proposed by the current King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz, when he was still the crown prince.

Saudi Arabia's recent diplomatic moves are further evidence of their "doing something at crucial times" policy. Saudi Arabia pushed through the Mecca Agreement which is aimed at containing and countering Iran's influence on Palestine. It is believed Saudi Arabia has agreed to give US$200 million to Palestine in emergency aid, well over the $120 million promised in November, 2006. During Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit, Saudi Arabia and Iran both promised to try to prevent sectarian killings between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq. In other words, both sides agreed to reduce their support of the Sunnis and Shiites.

After all, it is in the interests of both countries to stabilize Iraq. It appears Saudi Arabia remains committed to its existing diplomatic strategy ¨C keeping a low profile, but doing something at crucial times.

The author is an associate professor at the International Relations School of Peking University; translated by People's Daily Online