[ad_1]
For weeks it has been speculated that Bahrain will establish formal relations with Israel or normalize existing informal relations. This is especially evident in official statements and exchange of visits. On August 13, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established formal relations with Israel. Following this, an announcement was made on Friday night to normalize relations between Israel and Bahrain.
Bahrain is the fourth Arab country to sign an agreement to normalize relations with Israel. Earlier, Egypt and Jordan also established relations with Israel. The political equation in the Middle East is changing as Arab countries begin to normalize relations with Israel even before the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and its rights. It may have less effect on Muslim countries in other regions.
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia allowed Israeli flights to use its airspace. An analysis in the New York Times suggests that Saudi Arabia, the most influential state in Gulf politics, may take some time to make inroads into the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in the coming days. According to analysts, Bahrain could never have made the grand decision to normalize relations with Israel if Saudi Arabia had opposed it.
Bernard Heikel, a Saudi analyst at Princeton University in New Jersey, met with the most influential prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. It says that Saudi Arabia is following the same path.
According to Dan Shapiro, Israel’s former ambassador to the United States, it is good for Israel to have normal relations with Arab countries. Citing the Israel-Bahrain agreement as the result of many years of efforts, he wrote in a tweet that prudent diplomacy could bring a new dimension to the Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution.
But there has been a mixed reaction around the world. Palestinian leaders have called the Bahrain-Israel normalization agreement a betrayal of an Arab state. The United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Jordan welcomed the agreement. On the other hand, Iran and Turkey have reacted strongly.
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources in Dhaka say that Bangladesh’s position in favor of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state has not changed. Bangladesh does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Bangladesh talks about the Israeli occupation and barbarism in the Palestinian territories.
Former Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain told Kaler Kanth on Saturday afternoon that he did not believe that much pressure was being exerted on Bangladesh to normalize relations with Israel. But there is always indirect pressure.
“We are violating the terms of the World Trade Organization (WTO) by not doing business with Israel,” he said. It was subsequently handled. In the past, the New York-Kuwait flight from Kuwait was canceled due to the policy of not carrying any Israelis on board. Such small problems arise. Because the rabbis of Israel are very powerful. ‘
Touhid Hossain said: ‘I don’t think there is a lot of pressure on us at the moment. Because Saudi Arabia will not establish relations with Israel at this time. Although Saudi Arabia is Israel’s closest friend. Even then, Saudi Arabia will not officially do that.
Touhid Hossain said: “When Saudi Arabia establishes formal relations with Israel, there is a good risk of pressure on Bangladesh. Then there will be no reason for us to be isolated.
The Arab countries themselves have relations with Israel; But when asked about the dual position that discourages others, Touhid Hossain said, “They have always had this position.” Their argument is that Israel is their neighbor. They have many problems. For example, Jordan had no choice but to establish relations with Israel. Especially after establishing relations with Egypt. Jordan has to buy water from Israel.
He said that those who have borders, the people who have contact with people have an obligation to establish relationships. But others had informal relationships. They (Israel) have had informal relations for a long time, especially with the Gulf countries. There is with Oman. They also have many relationships with Saudi Arabia. But they do not recognize it or formally advance it. As long as Saudi Arabia does not move forward with the relationship, the pressure on us will not be too much.
Diplomatic sources say that the people of Bangladesh have strong feelings towards Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem and Palestine. But the reality is that the Palestinians are Arabs. Bangladesh has been supporting the Palestinians in every way possible. Now, if the Arabs are to establish relations with the Israelis without solving the Palestinian problem, many will be disappointed. So many will be encouraged to put their own interests first.
[ad_2]
