Here we go again. The ‘West knows best’ ideology manifesting itself in the Middle East. After Iran (in 1953) Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Syria have we noticed how regime change has brought peace and obedience?
Gulf allies shaken
The Gulf monarchies have pressed the US to stick to diplomacy with Iran, fearful that retaliation by their unpredictable neighbour will threaten security and stability.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have tried to build bridges with Iran. For so long their political and military rival. Those bridges are likely to fall
The last time there was war in the Middle East, the 2003 US invasion of Iraq inflamed sectarian tensions and led to birth of the Sunni jihadist group Isis.
Here comes the pain
British Airways has joined Singapore Airlines in cancelling flights to Dubai. 150 more airlines have diverted or suspended flights that stop in the region. Doha, a hub for long distance flights is also caught up in the cancellations.
Nearly half of US military and naval bases in the region are within the range of Iran’s ballistic missiles.
Oil prices have risen about 10% since Israel launched its first surprise attack on Iran. We have not seen price rises are the forecourts just yet because of OPEC mandated overproduction.
When supply of oil becomes constricted, for example by a blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, we will begin to pay the price for this action against Iran.
The West wants a domesticised Middle East that will keep the oil flowing. Iran will never play ball and maybe other countries in the region will follow their lead.
