UK's strategic balancing act as it seeks new partners
https://arab.news/wed8g
In response to the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza that was agreed at the extraordinary summit in Cairo this month, the UK joined its European allies in backing the initiative, which aims to rebuild the Strip in phases without displacing its Palestinian population.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK welcomed the plan, emphasizing the need for Gaza to be governed temporarily by a committee of independent experts, with international peacekeepers ensuring security. Their message was clear: Hamas 'must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore' and the Palestinian Authority should take on a central role in governance, backed by a reform agenda.
The UK's support for this initiative aligns with its long-standing humanitarian commitments. London has provided more than £819 million ($1 billion) in bilateral aid to the West Bank and Gaza since 2009 and its contributions to UNRWA bring the total to £1.7 billion.
By backing the Arab approach to the reconstruction of Gaza, the UK risks straining its relationship with a key ally
Zaid M. Belbagi
As London deepens its commitment to the Arab reconstruction plan, another urgent call is echoing from within: the need for the country to take a decisive lead on Palestinian rights. The Britain Palestine Project — a UK-based charity — has urged the government to step up, advocating for a more prominent role in addressing the conflict. With recent public opinion polls revealing widespread support for a foreign policy driven by humanitarian principles and international law, the group is pushing for the government to reflect these values in its approach to Palestine.
However, the political implications of this position are far-reaching. Washington, under President Donald Trump, has firmly opposed the Arab reconstruction plan, favoring an alternative vision that seeks to reshape Gaza's political and demographic landscape. By backing the Arab approach, the UK risks straining its relationship with a key ally.
One of the UK's most critical areas of cooperation with Washington lies in intelligence sharing, particularly through the Five Eyes alliance. Any deterioration in relations could jeopardize the collaboration between the two countries' intelligence agencies, as well as the UK's reliance on US technology for its nuclear deterrent, which depends on Trident missiles supplied by Washington.
Furthermore, the UK is also wary of Trump's economic policies, given his recent, controversial tendency to impose tariffs on allies. Any new trade or policy measures could hit British exports at a time when London is trying to reinforce its post-Brexit trading position.
Tensions between the UK and Israel also flared last week after a diplomatic incident. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel posted a secretly recorded video on Instagram, showing her confronting Emily Thornberry, the chair of the UK Foreign Affairs Committee, over the two-state solution. Thornberry condemned the unauthorized release of the footage and called on the British government to intervene, stating the video was shared without her consent. The incident has cast a shadow over UK-Israel relations, raising concerns over diplomatic trust and protocol.
Following this diplomatic controversy and in light of the UK's support of the Arab reconstruction plan, London is looking to expand its strategic alliances with new partners. One such important avenue is the Gulf Cooperation Council. The ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Gulf states are seen as a major economic opportunity, with the potential to boost bilateral trade by 16 percent.
According to the UK government, a deal with the GCC would lead to substantial economic benefits for the UK, both in the short and long term. In fact, an ambitious trade deal could contribute an additional £1.6 billion to £3.1 billion to the UK's gross domestic product by 2035. Moreover, it could enhance trade between the UK and GCC countries by £8.6 billion to £15.8 billion by the same year.
London is looking to strengthen its credibility in the Middle East and reinforce its strategic alignment with Gulf partners
Zaid M. Belbagi
In December, the Department for Business and Trade confirmed the UK's commitment to its free trade agreement negotiations program, with a target to deliver results by July. Negotiations with the GCC resumed in September and, since then, both virtual and in-person discussions have taken place, demonstrating the shared commitment to establishing a strong trade partnership.
In line with this progress, the visits of UK Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds to Saudi Arabia and Qatar following the GCC trade ministers meeting addressed crucial issues regarding investment, digital trade and goods market access, indicating the mutual ambition to push the partnership forward.
As negotiations continue to gain momentum, significant progress has been made, paving the way for a stronger, more robust relationship between the UK and the GCC. Beyond trade, the ties between the two are also deeply rooted in security and defense, with the UK maintaining long-standing partnerships in the region. These include supplying arms and sustaining military bases.
By endorsing the Arab reconstruction plan, London is looking to strengthen its credibility in the Middle East and reinforce its strategic alignment with key Gulf partners. However, this move must be carefully managed to avoid alienating the US, particularly under a Trump administration that has shown little patience for those diverging from its preferred policies.
Looking ahead, the UK's approach will require a delicate balancing act. While it cannot afford to break ties with Washington, it also sees value in diversifying its global partnerships. By navigating these challenges strategically, London hopes to secure its economic and security interests in a world that is becoming increasingly multipolar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Trump says Iran is involved in Gaza hostage negotiations
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday Iran is involved in negotiations aimed at arranging a ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas. 'Gaza right now is in the midst of a massive negotiation between us and Hamas and Israel, and Iran actually is involved, and we'll see what's going to happen with Gaza. We want to get the hostages back,' Trump told reporters during an event in the White House State Dining Room. Trump did not elaborate and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for details of Iran's involvement. Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The United States has proposed a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it would abide by the terms but Hamas thus far has rejected the plan. Under the proposal 28 Israeli hostages — alive and dead — would be released in the first week, in exchange for the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 dead Palestinians. The United States and Iran are also separately trying to negotiate a deal on Tehran's nuclear program.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
How the easing of sanctions is aiding Syria's path back into the Arab fold
LONDON: Syria's slow return to the Arab fold is set to pick up pace. After Arab states cautiously reengaged following Bashar Assad's fall in December, plans by the US and EU to lift sanctions have turned hesitation into opportunity. As these barriers begin to ease, old allies are moving to renew ties — not only reviving diplomatic channels but also launching a high-stakes race to shape Syria's postwar recovery and revival. Leading the charge is Saudi Arabia, which has positioned itself as the key broker of Syria's regional reintegration. Riyadh has hosted members of Syria's new leadership and convened high-level meetings to coordinate Arab and international support for reconstruction. A turning point came on May 14, when Saudi Arabia hosted a landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa — the first such encounter between American and Syrian leaders in more than 25 years. The meeting, facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, took place just one day after Trump's surprise announcement that Washington would lift all sanctions on Syria. 'This shift in US policy came after President Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio became convinced that Syria could spiral back into chaos and civil war — something regional allies did not want — if economic conditions remained frozen and sanctions continued to block governance,' Sameer Sabounji, policy officer and director of legal affairs at the Syrian American Council, told Arab News. That decision has triggered a wave of normalization efforts across the region. With Saudi Arabia taking the lead, Arab states are ramping up economic, diplomatic and security cooperation, signaling a new phase in efforts to stabilize and rebuild the war-torn country. 'Arab states are invested in Syria's recovery,' said Sabounji. 'Which is why I think they helped 'warm' the Trump administration to Al-Sharaa and gave the US the confidence to be bold in Syria.' Signs of this momentum also emerged on May 20, when Jordan and Syria signed an agreement to form a Higher Coordination Council, highlighting deepening bilateral ties. Talks focused on expanding energy cooperation and linking electric grids to support Syria's reconstruction and transition. The effort is multilayered. In April, Saudi Arabia announced plans to pay off Syria's $15 million World Bank debt — a move intended to unlock international reconstruction grants and further integrate Syria into the region's economic framework. According to Sabounji, regional powers have strong incentives to push for sanctions relief. 'Arab countries and Turkiye stand to gain immensely from Syria's reconstruction, but sanctions were deterring serious investment,' he said. He added that stronger regional trade routes and cross-border pipeline projects — connecting Gulf Cooperation Council countries to Iraq, Turkiye, the Mediterranean and even Azerbaijan — could boost regional economies, promote self-sufficiency and incentivize greater cooperation from Israel. Echoing that view, Ghassan Ibrahim, founder of the Global Arab Network, likened sanctions relief to 'the fall of the Berlin Wall' for Syrians. 'These restrictions were the wall separating Syria from the rest of the world,' he told Arab News. 'Now, Syrians feel more open and optimistic — there's a growing sense that Syria is a land of opportunity.' This optimism is not only economic but also geopolitical. Ibrahim Al-Assil, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, highlighted Syria's pivotal geography in broader regional ambitions. 'It's because of the location of Syria and the potential of Syria in the region, and in the regional aspiration of the Saudis and the economic prosperity that Syria could contribute to this — Syria is at a very sensitive spot on the map,' he told CNN last month. 'Stabilizing Syria could help stabilize the Middle East.' Al-Assil argued that a revitalized Syrian economy would directly benefit neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkiye by enabling refugee returns and unlocking cross-border development. 'Any improvement in the Syrian economy would be felt directly in Lebanon, would be felt directly in Jordan, and that would also open the doors for the Syrian refugees to go back to their countries, similar for Turkiye, also,' he said. 'Syria connects Turkiye and Europe to Arabia, and the rest of the Middle East.' Beyond economic considerations, security remains a critical concern. Syria's location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa has long made it a key player in regional dynamics. But that same geography has also facilitated the spread of captagon, a powerful amphetamine that has flooded Gulf markets. Syria's southern border with Jordan — particularly the Nassib crossing — has become a key route for drug smuggling. Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, consider the captagon trade a serious threat to social stability and security. Allegations that the Assad regime used the drug trade as leverage to regain regional acceptance have only added urgency to normalization efforts. 'The Assad regime flooded the region with drugs like captagon, sparking addiction crises in the region, and causing chaos and instability, driving displacement, which added strain to the region,' said Sabounji. A more stable Syria would help curb drug smuggling and reduce the flow of illegal weapons. 'It would also help curb or even prevent a resurgence of Daesh,' said Sabounji. 'The interim Syrian government's efforts to disrupt and apprehend smuggling networks also helps promote border security and reduces the illegal flow of weapons.' Though territorially defeated in 2019, Daesh remains active in Syria, with about 2,500 fighters operating primarily in the east and northeast. Persistent instability and a diminished foreign military presence have allowed the organization to regroup, especially in areas near the Euphrates River and major cities like Damascus. • Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 over Assad's violent crackdown on anti-government protests. • It was readmitted in May 2023, signaling a regional push for normalization despite persistent challenges. • The isolated Assad regime relied on support from Russia and Iran to defy sanctions throughout the civil war. Addressing this threat requires coordinated counterterrorism and stronger governance — something regional actors now see as achievable through reintegration rather than isolation. Sabounji also highlighted another strategic dimension: countering Iranian influence. 'Re-welcoming Syria into the Arab fold would counterbalance Iran's position and influence in the region,' he said. Ibrahim of the Global Arab Network agreed, suggesting that many regional powers view sanctions relief as a way to shift Syria away from reliance on Iran and, to a lesser extent, Russia — toward more moderate Arab and global partnerships. 'One of the key impacts of lifting sanctions is improved security — both inside Syria and across the region,' he said. 'It's also likely to influence the government's behavior, encouraging it to choose more constructive partners. 'When Syria was under heavy sanctions, it had limited options and would engage with anyone willing to offer support. But now, with sanctions being lifted quickly, the government is being pushed to align itself with more moderate actors.' Iran's regional role has long been a point of contention. Its support for proxy groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, pursuit of nuclear capabilities, and efforts to undermine state institutions through militias have alarmed both Arab and Western policymakers. 'Arab countries welcome the chance to build a more stable and prosperous Syria,' said Sabounji. 'They think Al-Sharaa can accomplish that. He needs help, though, and sanctions relief is a prerequisite.' He added that regional actors are exhausted by conflict and are eager for a future focused on growth and stability. 'This is a bold and refreshing Middle East foreign policy,' said Sabounji. 'The Trump administration is signaling that regional problems need regional solutions.' That shift reflects a departure from traditional US interventionism. 'Instead of dictating policy, the US listened to what Arab countries and Turkiye were saying to it. They want to stabilize Syria and want the US to lift sanctions to enable them to do that.' And then there is the possibility of doing business. 'I'm sure President Trump also did not want US companies to be held back by sanctions and not be able to compete for lucrative deals in Syria's reconstruction,' said Sabounji. The new policy recalibrates US-Arab relations and sends a message. 'Israel is no longer the only voice Washington listens to in the region,' he said. 'The administration is clearly pushing for harmony in the region, but it is also not waiting on Israel anymore. It has decided to strike ahead with improving or cultivating closer relations with each country, such as Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iran, even if dialogue or normalization with Israel stalls.' Syria's path back to the fold began with a long exile. In November 2011, the Arab League suspended Syria in response to the Assad regime's violent crackdown on anti-government protests. Still, Syria remained central to Arab diplomacy. Over time, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia shifted their approach, seeking to curb Iranian and Turkish sway. These evolving dynamics paved the way for Syria's return to the Arab League in 2023, after 12 years of isolation, despite lingering concerns about the Assad regime's conduct. Following Assad's ouster in December 2024, Saudi Arabia quickly emerged as the lead Arab player in Syria's reentry. In January 2025, Riyadh hosted Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, marking the first high-level meeting since the leadership change. That same month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Damascus, highlighting support for Syria's recovery. Then, in February, Al-Sharaa made his first official foreign trip to the Kingdom, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss deepening diplomatic and economic ties. Other Gulf states have since followed suit, pledging support for Syria's reconstruction. The international community is watching closely to see how the new government treats minorities and maintains stability. After more than a decade of turmoil, Syria's return to the Arab world may finally be within reach. But its success hinges on the careful balancing of regional interests, global engagement and a genuine commitment to rebuilding a fractured nation.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
British parliamentarians demand sanctions on Israel in letter to PM
LONDON: A group of 96 British parliamentarians have demanded sanctions on Israel in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The letter calls for the imposition of targeted sanctions, a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, and a suspension of the trade agreement between the two countries. 'We write to express our grave concern over the relentless violence against Palestinians throughout the Occupied Palestinian territory and urge the United Kingdom to respond to Israel's widespread and systematic violations of international law,' it says. Citing escalating Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, the letter warns that recent British decisions to sanction settler organizations linked to human rights abuses 'fall short of what is needed.' The UK also risks complicity in Israeli violations of international law due to 'continued diplomatic and economic transactions, and ties with Israeli institutions and settler organizations,' it adds. The signatories called on the government to 'move beyond sanctioning individual settlers but sanction state officials, including ministers, and introduce sanctions in respect of the State of Israel.' The UK must also implement a total ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the letter says, adding that such a move is mandatory based on decisions by the International Court of Justice and the UN, of which the UK is a member state, with both organizations clearly defining settlement-building in the occupied territories as illegal. London should also suspend the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, the signatories said, citing the deal's highlighting of respect for human rights as an 'essential element.' Israel's breaching of that term means the UK has the 'legal right to suspend or terminate its provisions, in whole or in part,' the letter says. The Council for Arab-British Understanding's head of parliamentary affairs, Joseph Willits, said: 'This letter shows that there is increasing parliamentary support for the UK to take tougher action against Israel. 'As Palestinians face violent erasure, including Israeli imposed genocide, starvation and ethnic cleansing, the UK government simply is not doing enough, and an increasing number of parliamentarians are also coming to this realization. 'What will it take for UK government action to match up with the horrifying situation and systemic violence on the ground, and to act on what parliamentarians, the British public, and most importantly, Palestinians have long been saying?'
