52 may have faded into irrelevance. They include: a. Peace accords and formal normalization. In the past, because of the state of war that existed between Israel and the first-tier Arab countries, formal peace treaties were needed to normalize relations and ensure Israel’s security. These kinds of accords are much less relevant to the current regional dynamic. With regard to the Palestinian issue, in view of the dramatic changes in Syria and Lebanon and the newenvironment of the Abraham Accords, pragmatic and down-to-earth security, civilian and economic protocols and memoranda of understandings (MoUs) would be more suitable and adaptive to the current challenges. In such a catalytic moment, a new way of thinking about regional geo-strategy should be adopted. Old paradigms... should be neglected or updated in order to duly confront the challenge b. The two-state solution (UNSCR 242). Twenty years of failure in Gaza provide ample proof that the resolution of the Palestinian issue should not be based on old European principles of sovereignty. Hybrid approaches should be adopted. c. The ‘axis’. The characterization of relations in the Middle East using the terminology of an ‘axis’ (radical, jihadist, Islamic, pragmatic, etc.) is counter-productive. In most cases it is an over-simplification of the region’s geo-strategic complexity. The area contains friends and enemies to be sure, but ‘frenemies’ as well. Iran and its proxies, aswell as Hamas violence and intimidation, are intolerable and must be addressed. The more fluid ‘frenemies’ conceptualization may be more helpful when confronting these and other massive challenges. d. Democracy. The most advanced, stable, pragmatic and innovative Arab states in the region are not democracies. It appears that in the Middle East, hybrid ways of governing are more helpful. e. The ‘Arab Street’. Popular sentiment is primarily based on fear and hate. It cannot be the basis for progress and problem-solving. Pragmatic solutions should go beyond public opinion. Real leadership shapes the common sentiment, not the other way around. A NEWWAY OF THINKING ABOUT REGIONAL GEO-STRATEGY As old paradigms are dismissed, new ones should be adopted. The following is a list of preliminary ideas that might be suitable when shaping the new regional geo-strategy: a. Partnerships for security. Security alliances and coalitions may be too formal and public to meet current needs, and may in fact curtail efforts to confront significant challenges like possible Photo: Shutterstock Photo: Shutterstock
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