The Peace and Security in the Middle East Conference held on Feb. 13-14, in the Polish capital of Warsaw, caused new disappointment for the U.S.
Mike Pompeo, the U.S. secretary of state, had planned through this conference to announce to the world - or rather confirm - the alliances he thought they gained out of the meetings held recently in the Middle East. However, when it was revealed a few days ahead of the conference that this would not be happening, the theme was changed, with the meeting changed from the Middle East Conference to the Peace and Security Conference in the Middle East.
The changed agenda of the conference attended by more than 60 countries, was declared as, "The development and popularization of ballistic missiles, measures to be taken against cyber threats, security and energy policies, as well as humanitarian aid." Yet, everybody was aware that this meeting was aimed at monitoring the sanctions on Iran and strengthening the Israel and allied Sunni bloc Pompeo is trying to establish against Tehran. Russia and China's disregard, low-level participation in the meeting by countries like Germany and France that strongly support the sanctions and the EU's indifference have distanced the meeting from its objectives and turned it into a monologue. In brief, the U.S. could not get what it expected from this meeting. While Pompeo's confirmation of an alliance did not happen, the image of a strong bloc against Iran could not be presented either. Hence, the tabloid aspect of the meeting was on the agenda rather than its political results. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lobbying activities, images of the Omani foreign minister who went to the parking lot for a secret meeting with Netanyahu, images of the foreign ministers from certain Arab countries that declared Israel has a right to defend itself against Iran - that were presented by Israel and then removed - were some of the topics that made the agenda.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has never wanted peace to prevail in the Middle East, left the meeting happy. His statement that he conducted the most important dialogue to date with Arab countries, and despite the foreign minister of Bahrain, which is under Shiite pressure, stating that Israel is more poisonous than Iran, this meeting was a complete fiasco.
Of course, a meeting aimed at achieving peace lacking the real parties, those oppressed, and thinkers that produce ideas on this subject independently, was bound to lead to such a result. Even the choice of Warsaw for the conference was a problematic. It must not be forgotten that the migration to Palestinian territory leading to the founding of Israel started from here. Seeking Middle East peace in a region that could not pass the test in the genocide of Jews since the last quarter of the 19th century in Poland, and where the memories of the cooperation with Germany in World War II is still alive, is futile. A polemic between Israel and Poland on this subject a few hours after the conference ended has also depicted this. The U.S. was unable to end the matter at the point the Jewish matter started and give the world a message. It is also clear that Poland did not want any mention of U.S. President Donald Trump's project of the century," which Trump's adviser Jared Kushner was expected to explain at the conference.
Of course not. However, the U.S. has been going through a mental stagnation with respect to the Middle East since 2003. Thinking that it can do everything in the region with its superior military power, the U.S. failed in Iraq, pushed the Syria matter into a dead-end, and settled Iran - which it is against today - in the region through its policies.
Evangelical, Bedouin and civilized
After the election of Trump as U.S. president, U.S. politics other than trade have lost its rationality. The U.S., which is acting like "India-based banyans that consider trade a religious tradition," has dominated the evangelical mind in politics.
The mindset to establish a world kingdom with the hand of Messiah Jesus - based on the interpretation of Saint John, who is buried in Selçuk, İzmir - by first strengthening Israel and forming a Jerusalem-based Jewish state, has dominated their current Middle East policies.
Well, are the countries in the region that follow the U.S. not aware of this? Yes, they are also aware. However, the politics developed according to the norms of Bedouin life by some Gulf countries that stood out in the meeting, requires them to act in this way. These powers that have been getting their strength and influence within their borders for centuries from their tribal identities, have always followed day-to-day politics throughout history. Hence, they appeared obedient and revolted, they appeared as allies and changed sides based on circumstances, and they even pledged loyalty and betrayed that too. These statements are not insults but findings. Those who do not know or do not understand these are deprived of the chance to solve the region's politics. While for half a century, U.S. politics has been feeding on old U.K. experts who know the region, it has failed to raise people of the same capacity. In summary, as we always say, contrary to what is believed, the U.S. does not know the region.
So, is the Iran issue going to remain unsolved? Iran's politics and the chaos it produces is a topic for another article. However, as a start, we can end the article with an answer to this question with the mentality of a civilized Muslim state.
Every time Western ambassadors living in Istanbul gathered with Ottoman diplomats, Iran would be the topic of discussion. Hence, Iran's rapport and concessions with Russia would disturb them. They wanted to use Ottoman influence as a tool against Iran. At one point, the French envoy, who used certain border problems between Iran and the Ottoman Empire as an excuse, offered mediation in exchange for some costs. The response given by Selim III, who is known for his frailty, and hence whose talent in politics is overlooked, saying, "it is non-procedural and strange," still applies: "Thanks to the Islamic union bringing the two states together, the authorities of the parties have the power to solve their problems without a mediator. The West should state its plan openly and not meddle in this affair.
