Thank you for continuing to provide your insight on the inter-tribal relationships that sustain the kingdoms of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. My impression is that most Americans who have never lived or worked in Arab nations understand Islamic tribal culture. I was privileged to work in Saudi Arabia for seven years. While that doesn't make me an expert, I have benefited from what I learned in conversations with the Saudi naval officer to whom I reported and with my students who were all Saudi Naval Officers.
Muslims are great proselytizers and because I respected Islam and Arab culture they spent many hours discussing their faith and tribal family structures. I learned the tribal patriarchs meet at least annually to decide all manner of things such as approving marriages which are seen as cementing inter or intra tribal relationships and approving financial support for tribal members since commercial lending is considered usury under Islam and forbidden. So with that tiny bit of knowledge about Saudi Arabia I enjoy reading your articles and appreciate their veracity.
I think a major point is the lack of cultural and historical awareness . Going into a region one doesn’t truly understand and truly doesn’t even want to understand is a huge mistake big armies make . Who said - know thy enemy? Well it wasn’t us ! But I have to say that although you are right in your assumptions, you leave out a specific talking point . What now? If and when the U.S. leaves, and they will, what happens to this region? Will it be run via Iran? Does Iran even want this responsibility? Does each country manage on its own? And to whom will they ally? Because this region is super unstable and Israel has the nuke. I’m certainly not saying it’s not good that the U.S. will be gone, but my question again is… now what ? And I’m not sure the answer is China nor do I think China wants this responsibility.
The future of the Middle East is Asia both economically and militarily. Mitra is envisioning a return to tribalism in the region, but the economic stakes are too high for that to happen. The current hierarchical monarchies are familiar in the East and, as long as they provide stability, they will thrive in this new environment. BRICS will replace Western economic systems, and pariah Israel will fade into insignificance as its role as intermediary between the West and Middle East withers.
Your question hinges on where does Iran fit in this future. It is a pivotal part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and has retained strong relations with China. Will this be an opportunity for a reset of the Sunni - Shiite rift and a reformation of Islam to meet the challenges of globalization? Unwittingly, this is what Netanyahu and Trump’s flawed Crusade has unleashed.
Jordan has a heir lined up, as written here before. Along with meetings with regional leaders, my understanding is Iran has been holding quiet meetings with various tribal leaders.
Given Iran's history & track record, I expect a plan has already been formulated to fill the vacuum without Russia or China taking over.
What the US has above all proven now after repeated failures in Korea, Viet Nam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and now in Iran is that conventional tactical war is obsolete.
What the Islamic Republic has proven now after funding Islamic extremism globally, is that Religion is obsolete.
Neither the US nor the Islamic Republic have achieved their goals in the regions they sought to influence. And the people in those regions are not any better off today as a result.
Both are equally dishonest brokers, and really bad salesmen for a product nobody in the region needs it wants to buy.
Both are corrupt themselves, and insist in misrepresenting and ignoring their own people's true character, spirit, hopes, and desires.
Especially the current governments of each, being so badly led by the worst leadership in the modern history of both countries, must be removed from power.
Thanks for the write-up. The article argues Iran's drone and missile campaign crippled US bases and naval power in the Gulf, so Washington has already lost and should pull out of the region. It points to real damage, but it gets key facts wrong (the AWACS was destroyed in Saudi Arabia, not Jordan) and overstates the case while talks and a US blockade continue.
Actually, although in the same paragraph, the article does not specifically state that Jordan's tribes gave info about AWACs in Jordan.
Saudi Arabia also has a tribal culture, with border tribes, including directly related to Yemen's border tribes, also unhappy with their US Puppet monarchy, also supplying info.
Thank you for continuing to provide your insight on the inter-tribal relationships that sustain the kingdoms of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. My impression is that most Americans who have never lived or worked in Arab nations understand Islamic tribal culture. I was privileged to work in Saudi Arabia for seven years. While that doesn't make me an expert, I have benefited from what I learned in conversations with the Saudi naval officer to whom I reported and with my students who were all Saudi Naval Officers.
Muslims are great proselytizers and because I respected Islam and Arab culture they spent many hours discussing their faith and tribal family structures. I learned the tribal patriarchs meet at least annually to decide all manner of things such as approving marriages which are seen as cementing inter or intra tribal relationships and approving financial support for tribal members since commercial lending is considered usury under Islam and forbidden. So with that tiny bit of knowledge about Saudi Arabia I enjoy reading your articles and appreciate their veracity.
Thank you urban
You're missing the point. It was the tribes un jordan and saudi arabia that provided the information.
The example was one of showing the tribal influence in helping iran.
Remember what separates jordan and saudi arabia are manmade lands very much like what separates saudi arabia and iraq with the shammar tribe
I think a major point is the lack of cultural and historical awareness . Going into a region one doesn’t truly understand and truly doesn’t even want to understand is a huge mistake big armies make . Who said - know thy enemy? Well it wasn’t us ! But I have to say that although you are right in your assumptions, you leave out a specific talking point . What now? If and when the U.S. leaves, and they will, what happens to this region? Will it be run via Iran? Does Iran even want this responsibility? Does each country manage on its own? And to whom will they ally? Because this region is super unstable and Israel has the nuke. I’m certainly not saying it’s not good that the U.S. will be gone, but my question again is… now what ? And I’m not sure the answer is China nor do I think China wants this responsibility.
The topic is about the military impacts on the united states and its declining role as a hegemonic power.
It is not intended to create a post united states. In the release. That is for a separate topic.
Clear and concise,as usual.
Thank you john😊
The future of the Middle East is Asia both economically and militarily. Mitra is envisioning a return to tribalism in the region, but the economic stakes are too high for that to happen. The current hierarchical monarchies are familiar in the East and, as long as they provide stability, they will thrive in this new environment. BRICS will replace Western economic systems, and pariah Israel will fade into insignificance as its role as intermediary between the West and Middle East withers.
Your question hinges on where does Iran fit in this future. It is a pivotal part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and has retained strong relations with China. Will this be an opportunity for a reset of the Sunni - Shiite rift and a reformation of Islam to meet the challenges of globalization? Unwittingly, this is what Netanyahu and Trump’s flawed Crusade has unleashed.
Jordan has a heir lined up, as written here before. Along with meetings with regional leaders, my understanding is Iran has been holding quiet meetings with various tribal leaders.
Given Iran's history & track record, I expect a plan has already been formulated to fill the vacuum without Russia or China taking over.
Excellent questions.
Laith Marouf has suggested that the Sykes-Pico nations will "disappear"
(in an interview with Radhika Desai)
He goes on to suggest a reimagining of the map leaves no room for Israel.
Saeedi Saifi suggests Iran is going to "ride the dragon".
I guess we will see. Maybe, if we're not dead.
What the US has above all proven now after repeated failures in Korea, Viet Nam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and now in Iran is that conventional tactical war is obsolete.
What the Islamic Republic has proven now after funding Islamic extremism globally, is that Religion is obsolete.
Neither the US nor the Islamic Republic have achieved their goals in the regions they sought to influence. And the people in those regions are not any better off today as a result.
Both are equally dishonest brokers, and really bad salesmen for a product nobody in the region needs it wants to buy.
Both are corrupt themselves, and insist in misrepresenting and ignoring their own people's true character, spirit, hopes, and desires.
Especially the current governments of each, being so badly led by the worst leadership in the modern history of both countries, must be removed from power.
Ideally by the people.
Thanks for the write-up. The article argues Iran's drone and missile campaign crippled US bases and naval power in the Gulf, so Washington has already lost and should pull out of the region. It points to real damage, but it gets key facts wrong (the AWACS was destroyed in Saudi Arabia, not Jordan) and overstates the case while talks and a US blockade continue.
Actually, although in the same paragraph, the article does not specifically state that Jordan's tribes gave info about AWACs in Jordan.
Saudi Arabia also has a tribal culture, with border tribes, including directly related to Yemen's border tribes, also unhappy with their US Puppet monarchy, also supplying info.
R. I .P