Al-Watan, Bahrain, March 2
A United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at stopping Iran’s illegal smuggling of weapons to Houthi insurgents in Yemen was blocked by Russia last week. The resolution, which was proposed by the United Kingdom, France and the United States and supported by 11 Council members, was vetoed by Moscow. It is almost impossible for me to understand how Russia can act with such duplicity, claiming a desire to cultivate its relations with Gulf nations while strengthening the very militias that undermine regional security. Perhaps even more dumbfounding is why Gulf leaders continue to turn a blind eye to such provocations. Why do Gulf leaders continue to deal with their Russian counterparts in matters ranging from energy to security? Gulf states would be wise to finally stand up for their interests by making clear to the Russians, once and for all, that this hypocrisy and deceit must end. Business interests speak louder than words and the time has come to predicate international agreements with Russia on its willingness to support our security interests. Otherwise, we must find new and loyal partners to deal with. Unfortunately, Russia has chosen to side with an evil power that arms and funds irregular armies in the Middle East. It is making lucrative gains by partnering with malicious forces that try to undermine the Gulf’s security. This is not how trade partners, let alone allies, treat one another. The time has come to teach the Russians a lesson once and for all by forcing them to choose between us or them. – Sawsan Shaer