The Cover Story... and others

Al Majalla's editorial team had long discussions about the cover story of the print version this month and we ultimately landed on US-China and Saudi Arabia

The Cover Story... and others

Two prominent visits were paid last year to Saudi Arabia, which had — and will continue to have — a significant impact on the region and the world due to the host's and guests' importance. The first was US President Joe Biden's visit in mid-July; the second was Chinese President Xi Jinping's in December. During the two presidential visits to Jeddah and Riyadh, Arab bilateral and collective summits and meetings were held.

Al Majalla's editorial team had long discussions about the cover story of the print version this month. Ultimately, our choice landed on an interesting topic for Arab and international readers: Saudi Arabia and US-Chinese rivalry. This topic has many complex political, economic, and military factors. Experts and journalists with deep knowledge and expertise on the issue, examine the topic in great detail and from drifferent angles.

Hesham Alghannam, a Saudi expert in political science and international relations, writes about the new focus of Riyadh's foreign policies, developments in Washington, and initiatives coming from Beijing.

On his part, former US ambassador Robert Ford writes "candidly" about the influence of Washington and Beijing in the Gulf region where he still assures that "there is not yet serious rivalry between the United States and China for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf” and that “the relationship between the United States and this region has stood for decades. He does note, however that "Saudi Arabia sees stronger economic relations with China as important to its future."

Meanwhile, Chinese researcher Becky Chen explains her country's position and writes: "If we put Beijing's thinking and strategic vision, highlighted by President Xi's visit at the head of a large delegation to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2022, in the Chinese-Arab context, we could see that the Kingdom's strategic position within the Arab world, as seen by China, has soared to a new level."

If we put Beijing's thinking and strategic vision, highlighted by President Xi's visit to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2022, in the Chinese-Arab context, we could see that the Kingdom's strategic position within the Arab world, as seen by China, has soared to a new level.

Chinese researcher, Becky Chen

The visit to Riyadh and the summits, she writes, "came at an ideal time when the relationship between China and the Arab countries is rising, and Western presence and influence is declining."

Japanese researcher Satoshi Ikeuchi explains Tokyo's views and position, being Beijing's neighbour and Washington's ally. Meanwhile, Russian researcher Anton Mardasov discusses Moscow's "limited ability" to enter the arena of rivalry in the Gulf, especially since the Ukraine war has made Moscow "more dependent" on Beijing.

Zooming out

Zooming out further in the regional neighbourhood, military expert Khaled Hamadeh examines the role of waterways and military bases in the region in determining the international policies of major powers, explaining why superpowers are scrambling to set up military bases in the small African country of Djibouti. Meanwhile, our colleague Khaled Al-Kassar writes on the longstanding and continuous importance of the Suez Canal.

In addition to the cover story, the March issue includes an interview with the UN envoy to Sudan, Volker Peretz, who seems optimistic about the country's future despite the challenges of implementing the "framework agreement" and a "war of words" between the generals.

The earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria also found its way into our March issue. Field reports recount the pain and suffering of survivors, while political dimensions of the tragedy are examined, especially amid upcoming elections in Turkey.

The earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria also found its way into our March issue. Field reports recount the pain and suffering of survivors, while political dimensions of the tragedy are examined, especially amid upcoming elections in Turkey. 

Amid talk of rapprochement between Damascus and Ankara, we uncover the official minutes of the last secret meeting between PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and the late Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam, a quarter of a century ago, which resulted in Damascus "expelling" Ocalan to evade a war with Ankara.

Meanwhile, on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we continue to cover the war with reports from the ground. We also highlight ongoing Western division over Kyiv's armament levels.

A busy month

Coincidentally, March is packed with historic milestones, anniversaries and important occasions. We chose three to focus on: International Women's Day, with a special focus on the growing role of women in Saudi Arabia; the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war, where we speak to a female journalist who was wounded in the war; and the 60th anniversary of the Ba'ath party's accession to power in Syria, and the subsequent Baathfication of Syria and Iraq.

Switching gears, Al Majalla covers a planned gas pipeline between Morocco and Nigeria, in what is being touted as an "African dream." And in the culture section, distinguished poet Paul Shaoul nostalgically laments the "Lebanese dream". On is part, Dutch writer Nikolaos van Dam talks about the variety of dialects that exist in the 'Arab' world, while praising its rich diversity.

With this, we present our readers with the second issue of Al Majalla in our revamped print magazine and on our digital platforms. We hope you enjoy it.

 

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