Middle East Countries forced to pick a side: Ukraine Crisis

As the threat of all-out conflict in Ukraine grows, a confrontation between Russia and the West over Ukraine will undoubtedly have repercussions for Middle Eastern countries, forced to make difficult decisions and select sides. The danger of a Russian invasion of Ukraine would force them to choose between doing business with the West and Moscow. 

A probable war in Ukraine will undoubtedly significantly impact some critical areas for the Middle East region, including energy, agriculture, the refugee crisis, and state ties with the West and Russia. 

Because Russian natural gas accounts for over 40% of the EU gas market, entirely replacing it in the event of Russian curtailment would be highly challenging. Indeed, the US would expect Qatar and Saudi Arabia to do everything possible to make up the difference, but this is easier said than done. 

They would be forced to decide between doing business with the West and Moscow if a Russian invasion of Ukraine occurred.

It’s worth remembering that the United States just identified Qatar as a major non-NATO ally. US President Joe Biden discussed the issue with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Washington on January 31. 

Edited By- Kritika Kashyap

Published By- Bharat Anand