How do politics, security, and energy policy shape the geopolitical relationships of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries? These questions were addressed by Major General (res.) Tamir Hayman, Executive Director of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Dr. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President of the Emirates Policy Center (EPC), and Mr. Mohammed Baharoon, Director-General of Dubai Public Policy Research Center (b'huth), UAE, in a panel moderated by Dr. Yoel Guzansky, Senior Researcher at the INSS.

The discussion took place during the 10th Delphi Economic Forum held from April 9-12 in Delphi.

"In 2024, we witnessed regional and global changes reshaping our strategic environment. Globally, the main change was the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, and regionally the war in Gaza and developments in Syria and Lebanon," noted Dr. Guzansky at the discussion's opening.

"The changes in Syria and Lebanon affect land corridors like the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) under the new conditions in Syria and the war in Israel," said MG Tamir Hayman. He further emphasized that regional stability is crucial and the IMEC corridor is vital for Middle Eastern stability, suggesting Israel should also be included.

"I believe that connecting Israel to this corridor will add value to the initiative by linking a hub of advanced technology and a nation characterized by innovation," he noted.

Commenting on Israel's strategy in Syria, Hayman questioned Israel's new approach towards a changed Syria, stating that Israelis anticipate the worst while trying to influence positive outcomes by securing tactical areas and militarily weakening Syria as much as possible.

"We must adapt to the evolving situation, hopefully with support from global powers such as Europe and the U.S., to prevent Islamists from gaining strength. This is our strategy," he added, highlighting the ongoing developments.

Dr. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi emphasized the significance of regional stability, noting that the Mediterranean-Gulf connectivity is more than a logistical ambition.

"I'd like to step back as you mentioned the global connectivity agenda, which I consider fundamental. The global connectivity agenda essentially redefines the global view away from traditional geopolitics. IMEC connects India and Europe, but it's also intercontinental, bridging Asia and Europe, new and old markets, producers and consumers. It involves the movement of goods, including energy, people, money, and information. Many viewed it as a trilateral agreement, but it's actually a connection between the global North and global South amid peak polarization," she explained, adding that Turkey's role could resolve tensions in the Mediterranean.

Mr. Mohammed Baharoon commented on Donald Trump's factor concerning Turkey. "Three nations view themselves as genuine, historically rooted empires of the Middle East: Turkey, Iran, and Israel. These nations are in constant competition. Coordination among them could come from moderate Arab Gulf states. Thus, strategically linking Gulf states, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel through IMEC would foster stability," he stressed.

"Regional cooperation must take a leadership role, especially if Trump opts for U.S. introspection over global engagement. Hence, we must proactively combine added values in this infrastructure," he continued, suggesting Middle Eastern reconnection could bridge the global South and Europe.

Photo credit: Delphi Economic Forum