Nearly forty countries wanted to participate BRICSGroup consisting of Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa. About 23 people have formally applied for it, but only six were selected at last week’s summit in Johannesburg. Most of them in the region Middle East and the north Africasynonym Oil And gas. That is why many analysts, upon learning of the official guest list, dared to joke that BRICS should now be called BRICS plus OPEC, referring to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. However, even though the original members had their eyes fixed on the energy needs of the moment, Saudi Arabia, Iranian, Sweetcorn And United Arab Emirates they also pursue their own interests within the group.
Although the BRICS do not claim to be an anti-Western entity, this movement Washington between Arab world this has led many governments to seek alternatives to their comfortable shelters. The positions of these four new countries are different because Saudi Arabia and the Emirates are trying to somehow balance the relations between east and west without ignoring the benefits of staying close to each other. United States of America. Iran and Egypt are stuck in this situation. economic crisis At different levels, they seek to benefit financially. For regimes like the Saudis, and above all the Iranians, joining the group could allow their new friends to escape the years of international isolation they’ve been in without putting their abuse records on the table. human rights.
goodbye to america
Emirates has already accepted the bloc’s offer. Iran and Egypt are expected to follow the same path soon. But Saudi Arabia is still considering the offer, although it will likely accept it. Disappointment with the West embodied in America’s alienation is the common denominator of the yes answer. The Saudis and the United Arab Emirates have long been Washington’s allies, and during this time have enjoyed extensive protection in this unstable region. In recent years, and especially after President Joe Biden’s arrival in the United States White HouseHis foreign policy left the region behind. Because of this abandonment, oil monarchies Basra Bay rebounded with new alliances, closer ChineseThey make their own decisions on energy issues and there is a historical rapprochement with Tehran, the enemy of the Americans.
“The BRICS membership offers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates a way to balance their own relations. United States of America Michelle Grise, senior policy researcher at RAND, told Al Jazeera: Dubai hosted dozens of Russians After the invasion, they fled Western sanctions against their country. Ukraine. Speaking to Iran’s Al Alam television channel, Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi said, “The expansion of BRICS shows that the unilateral approach is on the way to weakening.” The US regime, which has the world’s second largest gas reserves and a quarter of the Middle East’s oil reserves, ayatollahs It aims to strengthen its economic and political ties with non-Western allies.
In a way, sending an invitation to Iran is quite a challenge. statement of intent by the group. It is on the verge of the first anniversary of the outrageous mass protests sparked by the death of young Masha Amini. legitimacy crisis The still unresolved BRICS marks an important political victory for the isolated and sanctioned country. Under the heavy weight of the sanctions, Iran supported the BRICS efforts. stick to the dollar and so you can get rid of US dominance over the global financial system.
Half of oil production
In turn, the world will feel the impact of the accession of these six new countries next year. BRICS+ concentrates 46% of the world world population29.3% of world GDP and 25.1% of world GDP export World. However, perhaps the most important point is that they constitute 43.1% of world oil production. “With these additions, BRICS has become a bloc with potentially significant impact on the world. avalanche Ayham Kamel, head of the Eurasia Group’s Middle East and North Africa research team, explains: Al Jazeera. Along the way, BRICS members insisted on the importance of staying away. dollar enabling them to trade with each other more easily using local currencies.
If BRICS+’s efforts continue, the US will lose its hegemony, its ability to decide who is left out or not, and ultimately its role as the protector of the world. Although many fear that the inclusion of new countries in the group after thirteen years of co-existence will destabilize the group, Middle Eastern countries are already taking parallel approaches. Last year, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates re-established relations with Iran, and cooperation within OPEC is growing. The new world is being shaped by the Global South.