Saudi Decision on Security Council Is About Syria

Saudi Arabia’s decision to decline a UN Security Council seat is neither ordinary nor fleeting. Many may criticize the move, while others might wonder how Saudi Arabia can demand reforming the United Nations, which arose in the aftermath of World War II, while the kingdom still needs reforming itself and is far from democratic. While international parties, most notably Washington, tried to play down the decision, and others considered it a routine way of criticizing the international system, the Saudis' move was nonetheless surprising and shrewd.

The first to notice this was Russia, an old Middle East player that today is taking on a new role as the United States focuses on its internal affairs while seeking regional compromises. By quickly expressing its bewilderment at the decision, Moscow essentially recognized the significance and dimensions of it, the primary aim being to strengthening the negotiating positions of the kingdom and its Arab allies, especially in light of the looming US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the explosive situation in Sudan, harbingers of the Arab Spring, and other developments. What may end up determining the shape of the Middle East in the next phase, however, is the Geneva II conference on the Syrian crisis, especially with Russia having succeeded diplomatically, and Iran militarily, in prolonging the Syrian regime’s life.

The other and more important aspect of the Saudi decision lies in the kingdom’s identity and roles. One should not belittle the decision, ignore its real causes, or consider Saudi Arabia a mere US protectorate that obeys Washington, which affords it security and strategic cover. In fact, Saudi Arabia’s decision was significant because it resonates in the Arab and Sunni Muslim street, which has been accumulating disappointments and experiencing growing frustration as a result of erratic international politics and the Barack Obama administration’s sharp turns.

One should not forget that Saudi Arabia occupies a leadership position in the Islamic world. It was recently joined by Egypt, the main center of gravity in the Arab world, after its relations with Washington reached a new low due to the US stance toward the Mohammed Morsi government and its decision to suspend aid to the Egyptian military. Even Turkey, the third “Sunni pillar” so to speak, has expressed understanding for the Saudi position. The issue is about widespread Sunni resentment among Arab states from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean. Of importance here, the Saudis' decision reflects this popular anger.