Contributor
Umer Karim is a visiting fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies.
The reemergence of the Taliban is being treated cautiously in the broader Middle East. But the U.S. withdrawal may leave a unique political space for more engagement from the Gulf Arab states.
Gulf countries have deep historical ties with Afghanistan. As the NATO mission comes to an end, they could have the influence to help stabilize Afghanistan and chart a course toward peace and reconciliation.
Geopolitical developments and mounting domestic challenges for India and Pakistan coalesced to create the right timing for the UAE’s efforts to broker a peace agreement.
Turkey appears ready to start a new chapter with Saudi Arabia, and for a comprehensive rapprochement to happen, both countries need to let bygones be bygones.
A swift Saudi pullout from an economic assistance program for Pakistan spells trouble for the bilateral relationship, but it would be unwise to write an obituary for Saudi-Pakistani ties.