In recent days and weeks, we've seen what appears to be serious examples of Arab countries opening up geopolitical avenues — as well as relations — with rivals and even adversaries. This would include Iran and Saudi Arabia's announcement that they were not only talking but reopening embassies in each other's countries for the first time in over a decade, Arab normalization with Israel, and even bringing Bashar Assad of Syria back into the fold. This is all being done irrespective of U.S. help or intervention. If anything, outside powers like China are playing a role, much to Washington's chagrin. Here to talk about the implications of this on U.S. foreign policy and ongoing crises like the war in Yemen, is Annelle Sheline, Middle East research fellow at the Quincy Institute.
In the first segment, Kelley and Dan talk about the recent AUKUS nuclear sub-agreement and how the U.S. continues to build blocs against China in the Pacific.
More from Annelle Sheline:
Exit Yemen Now to Assist a Fragile Peace -- American Prospect, 3/8/23
What Congress Needs to Know about the Truce in Yemen, w/ Hassan El-Tayyab -- Inkstick Media, 12/5/22
It’s Time to Cut Off Arms Sales to the Saudi Regime, w/ William Hartung -- The Nation, 11/15/22
Is Diplomacy Breaking out all over the Middle East? A conversation with Annelle Sheline