‘Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in Counterterrorism is Unwavering’: Says Colonel Abbas Dahouk

By : Taha Sakr

In the realm of U.S. foreign policy and Middle East affairs, few figures stand as prominently as Colonel Abbas Dahouk (US Army, Ret.). With a distinguished career that seamlessly integrates military prowess and diplomatic finesse, Colonel Dahouk has made significant contributions to shaping U.S. defense strategy in the Middle East. His tenure as a Defense Attaché in Saudi Arabia and his advisory role at the U.S. Department of State underscore his deep expertise and commitment to fostering strong international relations.

Colonel Dahouk’s academic accolades are as impressive as his professional achievements. He has imparted his vast knowledge to future military leaders at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds esteemed degrees from Princeton University and the U.S. Army War College. His exceptional service has earned him numerous awards from both American and foreign governments, culminating in his induction into the U.S. Army OCS Hall of Fame.

Currently residing in the Washington, DC area, Colonel Dahouk continues to influence U.S.-Middle East political and military discourse. As a member of the Board of Directors at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, he remains a pivotal voice in the field. His insights are frequently sought by major media outlets, including the BBC, al-Arabiya TV, al-Hadath TV, al-Hurrah TV, and al-Shariq TV, where he provides expert commentary on critical issues.

In this exclusive interview for Leaders MENA Magazine, Colonel Dahouk shares his perspectives on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Middle East relations, the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia, and the future of defense and diplomatic collaboration in the region. His insights offer a rare glimpse into the complex world of international affairs, informed by decades of unparalleled experience and expertise.

How do you assess the current geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, particularly about Saudi Arabia and its regional neighbors?

The shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East underscore a delicate power balance and the potential for significant regional realignments. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had a profound impact on the region’s geopolitical landscape. On October 7, Hamas militants breached Israeli territories, prompting Israel to declare war on Hamas and launch revenge-driven military operations across Gaza. On April 13, Iran launched more than 300 drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles targeting civilian and military sites in Israel, marking the first confrontation on Israeli soil.

Moreover, Iranian-backed proxies are involved in direct conflicts with the United States in Iraq and around Bab al-Mandeb in the Red Sea. The Gulf states countries’ actions and policies are driven by the goals of maintaining regional stability, ensuring security, and diversifying their economies.

Despite the intricate interplay, there are indications of improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, largely due to shared concerns about Iran. In addition, depending on the outcome of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, have the potential to pave the way for future cooperation and political stability.

What are the key geopolitical factors influencing Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy decisions in the Middle East today?

Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy in the Middle East is shaped by a combination of strategic rivalries, security concerns, economic diversification goals, and the aim to maintain regional stability. The kingdom’s approach to foreign policy involves military and political actions, such as its military interventions in Yemen, its participation in the counter-ISIS coalition, and diplomatic efforts to enhance ties with regional and global powers.

For instance, Saudi Arabia considers Iran as its primary regional rival due to Iran’s nuclear and missile ambitions, as well as its influence in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon (through Hezbollah), and Yemen (through the Houthis). Furthermore, the Vision 2030 initiative also significantly influences Saudi foreign policy, as its success depends on a stable and secure regional environment to attract foreign investment and support economic initiatives. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s economic future and political influence rely on diversifying economic partnerships and diplomatic relations, particularly with China and other Asian countries.

Can you discuss Saudi Arabia’s strategic interests and objectives in its relations with Iran, and how do these impact regional stability?

Saudi Arabia’s main objectives in its relations with Iran are to contain the Iranian regime’s influence in the region, prevent interference in neighboring countries’ internal affairs, ensure regional security, and assert ideological and theological leadership. On the other hand, the Iranian regime focuses on political survival by developing proxies, equipping armed groups, and supporting corrupt regimes like Bashar al-Assad’s in Syria. Iran also believes that political Islam movements within the Muslim world are essential drivers of change, challenging the political stability of the Arab regimes.

A direct conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran would be disastrous for the region, setting it back decades undermining all the economic progress achieved so far, and further destabilizing countries like Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, which are already struggling to recover.

From your perspective, what are the main challenges and opportunities for Saudi Arabia in navigating its relationships with Iran and other regional powers?

Challenges often bring growth opportunities. Saudi Arabia has shown proficiency in managing its diplomatic and security challenges with regional and international powers. However, the kingdom must sustain its balance of security concerns and economic goals while addressing regional instability and ideological rivalries. By maintaining the momentum toward economic diversification, pursuing diplomatic efforts for regional cooperation, and investing in humanitarian initiatives, such as engaging regional human capital, including Arab-Israelis when appropriate, Saudi Arabia can unlock opportunities to strengthen its regional influence and promote greater stability in the Middle East.

How does Saudi Arabia view the recent developments in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, and what role can it play in advancing peace efforts?

Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution, advocating for an independent and irreversible Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Leveraging its significant regional influence, Saudi Arabia can play a key role in post-conflict resolution between Israel and the Palestinians. Drawing on its long-standing support for the Bank. Furthermore, by fostering a unified Arab position on an enduring peace, Saudi Arabia can work towards consolidating the interests of different Arab states and presenting a united front in negotiations. The absence of diplomacy, however, risks perpetuating wars and economic stagnation in the region.

What strategies or initiatives has Saudi Arabia employed to enhance its influence and leadership role in the Arab world amidst regional political shifts?

Saudi Arabia has taken a comprehensive approach to increasing its influence and leadership, both within the Arab world and globally. It has strengthened alliances with countries like Egypt and Jordan, resolved the Qatar blockade, and shown openness to normalization with Israel under certain conditions. These efforts, along with the Kingdom’s initiative-taking role in conflict resolution, transformation of its security and defense agencies, and humanitarian assistance through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, allow Saudi Arabia to navigate regional political shifts and maintain its leadership role within geopolitical dynamics.

How has Saudi Arabia’s approach to economic diversification and Vision 2030 influenced its foreign policy priorities and regional engagements?

The Kingdom is shifting its foreign policy priorities towards fostering economic cooperation and collaboration to ensure a better future for itself and the broader region. Saudi Arabia is making tremendous efforts to strengthen its economy and regional influence through initiatives such as large-scale projects, the ARAMCO IPO, sports diplomacy, and the Public Investment Fund. These efforts aim to shif t the traditional defense and security politics to attract international investment and position the country as a hub for innovation and tourism, fostering economic cooperation for a better future.

What are the implications of Saudi-U.S. strategic partnerships on regional security and stability, particularly in light of recent global events?

The long-standing strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, spanning over 80 years, continues to have a significant impact on regional security and stability. This partnership remains crucial for coordinating responses to regional crises and promoting diplomatic solutions, regardless of whether a Democratic or Republican administration is in power. This was evident during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict and the potential for a wider regional conflict. The two countries are currently in discussions about establishing a strategic defense pact to formalize their defense relationships and to help normalize the Saudi-Israel relationship. However, the prospect of such a security and normalization deal may be hindered by Israel’s reluctance to accept a path toward Palestinian statehood. This potential agreement has the power to reshape the Middle East by providing security assurances to Saudi Arabia and normalizing its relationship with Israel. 

What are the key components and considerations of the nearing bilateral defense pact between the United States and Saudi Arabia?

The agreement includes several defense guarantees and civil nuclear cooperation, showing a dedication to Saudi security. In addition to acquiring and co-producing U.S. defense articles and services, the agreement must include sharing real-time defense intelligence and conducting joint bilateral field training exercises essential for establishing trust, promoting troop cooperation, and projecting deterrence against state and non-state threats in the Middle East region. Intelligence sharing and joint exercises are crucial for enhancing cooperation and preparedness between US and Saudi forces.

Regarding civil nuclear cooperation, a 123 nuclear cooperation agreement for transferring nuclear material or equipment from the United States is not adequate on its own. The U.S. has 123 agreements with several countries, including the UAE, where the agreement came into force in December 2009. While a 123 agreement can facilitate cooperation in areas such as technical exchanges, scientific research, and safeguards discussions, Riyadh should not agree to the same enrichment restrictions that are part of the UAE agreement. Instead, the agreement with Riyadh must allow for uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes.

How does Saudi Arabia balance its relationships with traditional allies and emerging powers in the Middle East and beyond?

Saudi Arabia is actively utilizing its foreign policy tools to maintain balanced relationships with neighboring and concerned countries, including economic diversification, diplomatic engagements, strategic partnerships, and regional influence. The Kingdom needs to maintain strong ties with traditional allies like the United States government and its people for security and economic cooperation.

At the same time, it should also cultivate balanced relationships with emerging powers such as China and Russia to diversify its economic partnerships and geopolitical influence. By carefully managing these relationships, Saudi Arabia can strengthen its regional and global standing while preserving its national interests.

Can you discuss the impact of recent U.S. foreign policy decisions on Saudi Arabia’s regional security posture and strategic alliances?

The United States has reduced its military posture in the Middle East by pulling all its forces out of Afghanistan and relocating troops and equipment from the region to Europe in support of Ukraine against Russia. Additionally, the Biden administration halted and reviewed major arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

As a result, Saudi Arabia is reevaluating its defense capabilities and looking for additional security partnerships to address potential gaps, particularly to enhance its air defense systems and to develop an indigenous defense industry to improve troops’ readiness and self-reliance. Although U.S. military sales to Saudi Arabia have selectively resumed, this increased scrutiny has prompted Saudi Arabia to diversify its sources for military equipment procurement, including reaching out to countries like Russia and China.

What are the prospects for regional cooperation initiatives involving Saudi Arabia, particularly in addressing shared challenges such as terrorism and extremism?

For decades, Saudi Arabia and the United States have fully cooperated in confronting terrorism and violent extremism. They are committed to countering groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, stopping the flow of foreign fighters, combating violent extremist propaganda, and cutting off terrorist financing. Saudi Arabia leads several coalitions dedicated to fighting terrorism and extremism, such as the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center.

Notably, the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS was established in Jeddah in 2014. These efforts enhance Saudi Arabia’s influence and leadership in global security. However, both nations will need to address emerging threats from non-state actors, tackle shared challenges posed by the Iranian regime and seize opportunities to strengthen their partnership in the ever-changing geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

How do you assess the role of cultural diplomacy in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy strategy and its impact on international perceptions of the Kingdom?

Cultural diplomacy is a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy strategy, contributing significantly to improving the Kingdom’s international perception. These efforts form part of a soft power approach to countering negative stereotypes and presenting a more nuanced and progressive image of Saudi Arabia. They also signify the Kingdom’s commitment to modernization and openness as outlined in King Salman’s 2030 Vision. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of major sports events, such as the Formula E races, boxing matches, and the Dakar Rally, contributes to its people-to-people approach and showcases its capability to organize global events, thereby attracting international tourists and media attention.

Looking forward, what do you see as the most critical issues and opportunities for Saudi Arabia in shaping Middle Eastern politics and security in the coming decade?

The Middle East’s geopolitical situation is influenced by complex political and security factors, particularly involving Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iran. Managing the regional influence of Israel and Iran remains a critical issue for Saudi Arabia. Both countries are focused on asserting their dominance in the region based on their economic and political interests, without adequately considering the security and political concerns of neighboring countries. Iran’s foreign policy is significantly influenced by its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which seeks to expel the U.S. from the region and replace it with its ideological concept of resistance and religious extremism.

Similarly, Israel’s foreign policy is influenced by its security services and religion-ethnic motivations, to marginalize or end the Palestinian quest for independence. Saudi Arabia, which is of significant interest to both countries, has become a battleground and is facing political and security pressures. This has made its leadership and people vulnerable to outside influence. If managed skillfully, these influences could create opportunities for stronger partnerships with emerging global powers and organizations.