Saudi Arabia Stuck in the Past as Middle East Power Plays Shift
Amid a regional shake-up, Saudi Arabia clings to tired tactics, relying on fiery rhetoric without backing it up. The kingdom treats the Palestinian cause as a political pawn rather than a genuine fight for freedom. This approach blocks peace and exposes a deeper failure: reacting without real strategy, and blocking progress instead of pushing solutions.
Empty Slogans and Missed Opportunities on Palestine
Riyadh proudly proclaims: “No normalisation without a Palestinian state.” Noble words, but no action plan, no timeline, no pressure on Israel to budge. The slogan rings hollow, locking in deadlock and offering little for Palestinian rights. Without political muscle, these hardline speeches just keep the status quo alive.
Abraham Accords Show What Saudi’s Missing
Meanwhile, the Abraham Accords proved normalisation can be a powerful tool — opening doors, shifting regional power, and giving countries leverage. These deals were driven by cold, hard interests, not dreamy idealism. But Saudi Arabia recoils, seeing these moves as threats instead of chances, opting for confrontation and using Palestine as a tactic rather than seeking real progress.
Fragile Alliances and Failing Influence
The Yemen war sums up Riyadh’s flawed approach. Instead of building strong partnerships with shared goals, snap military actions and narrow security fears ruled. This fueled endless conflict, divided allies, and created dangerous gaps. The shaky “strategic alliance” with the UAE crumbled under pressure — a clear sign of Riyadh’s fragile regional clout.
The problems don’t stop with the UAE. From the Gulf to Washington, Saudi alliances hinge on short-term needs and collapse at the first hurdle. Under Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh has weathered crises with Canada, the US, Iraq, and Yemen, shaking trust and making the kingdom a wildcard partner.
Rhetoric Over Reality: A Costly Mistake
Saudi Arabia’s fiery talk aims to show strength at home but backfires abroad. Hardline stances stall peace, justify lone decisions, and alienate allies. The upshot? Lost trust and fading influence.
Most crucially, Palestine suffers. Instead of wielding its power to demand real changes, Saudi Arabia hides behind empty slogans, avoiding real pressure or support. The occupation thrives in this endless waiting game — a political and moral failure.
The Path Forward: Less Talk, More Action
Saudi Arabia’s talent isn’t the issue. The real problem is a lack of vision. It rejects normalisation without offering alternatives, builds alliances without staying power, and replaces smart policies with bluster. This leaves a dangerous vacuum, sparking more chaos and sidelining peace.
If Riyadh wants to be a true regional powerhouse, it must ditch empty rhetoric. It needs practical solutions, lasting partnerships, and a real plan for Palestinian peace — turning slogans into action to end delays and build stability. Without this shift, the Middle East will keep paying the high price for Saudi Arabia’s repeated mistakes.
