Oman and Qatar in Middle East - Writeen by Syed Mahdi Bukhari - مشرق وسطی میں عمان اور قطر

 

Until yesterday, Oman and Qatar were like wise elders in Middle Eastern politics—sitting between quarrelling children on either side, mediating and making peace. Today, however, they themselves appear wounded, sitting quietly in a corner. In such a moment, Pakistan suddenly makes its entrance onto the stage. The same Pakistan that was once not taken seriously is now trying to bring everyone to the same table.

On one side is the United States, which seeks solutions to every problem through a “deal,” and on the other is Iran, which sees every deal as a “conspiracy.” In between stands Pakistan, offering both sides tea and gently advising: “Brother, say your prayers—before your prayers are said over you.”

The Iranian spokesperson’s remark that an agreement could not have been reached in a single sitting is entirely grounded in reality. It reminds me of something my son once said during his annual exams: “I am studying, but the entire course cannot be covered in one night.” Meanwhile, the United States has hinted that a second round may soon take place in Islamabad. Iran is eager for an agreement, and Trump, it seems, remembers only one essay: “My Best Friend.” Amid all this, Pakistan appears to be humming:

Come, dear one, be seated, beloved,
Take the test of love with delight.

Encouragingly, both sides have shown some flexibility in their positions. However, this flexibility resembles that of two wrestlers who, after a bout, look at each other and say, “Not today—I'll deal with you tomorrow.” The میدان (arena) remains the same, the stubbornness unchanged—only the tone has softened. Still, this shift signals positive progress.

The United States must also keep its Gulf allies satisfied while remaining mindful of China’s growing influence—particularly over Iran and, more broadly, the Arab world. It is, in effect, trying to ride two boats at once, except now the river is rougher and the water beneath those boats is receding.

At the heart of it all lies a single issue: the nuclear program. The conversation inevitably returns to the point where pride and survival stand face to face. All other points merely serve to prolong discussion or embellish the narrative. And in the middle lies the Strait of Hormuz—unfortunately caught between competing desires to open or close it at will.

The good news is that open الحرب (war) has decreased while accusations have increased—fewer bombs, more dialogue. In the end, one must hold onto hope. Perhaps the next round of talks will yield a path forward; perhaps both sides will learn to tolerate one another and move ahead; perhaps the world may find some measure of peace. Until then, it is better that this diplomatic stage remains set—a stage where every actor considers himself the victorious hero, while the audience is the entire world.

Reason suggests that whether one wins or loses on the battlefield, no party wants to lose at the negotiating table. Each side seeks “victory” for its own people. Give-and-take remains the essence of negotiations. Interestingly, in the pursuit of face-saving, a remarkable outcome has emerged: regardless of who ultimately wins or loses, Pakistan has clearly secured a victory in the cause of human survival.

Such are the workings of fate. Time has turned in such a way that a country which once sought its economic prescriptions from the IMF is now offering formulas for peace to global powers. And the remarkable part is that everyone is listening—nodding in agreement and even offering praise on their way out.

Pakistan now appears not only as the region’s “event manager” but also as a beacon of hope for global peace. And the story does not end there. Pakistan has not only conveyed diplomatic messages but has also attempted to persuade Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia that peace benefits everyone—a kind of group project where everyone must be included, and full marks must still be secured.

One must admit that in the case of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan has shown remarkable finesse. It neither jumped into the میدان against Iran nor upset Riyadh, while simultaneously convincing them that all efforts were ultimately in their interest. If this level of diplomacy were taught in a university, it would surely earn a gold medal.

Reports have also emerged that Saudi Arabia may provide a $3 billion deposit to help maintain Pakistan’s foreign reserves, particularly in light of payments to the UAE. As if that were not enough, Qatar is also ready to assist, and doors for investment may open. In other words, peace is now coming with a “cashback offer”—a deal even ordinary consumers rarely receive.

The prospects for Gwadar and Karachi ports transforming into major trade hubs have also brightened. Pakistan’s ambitions have grown—it now envisions not only mediation but potentially becoming a “security guarantor” for the entire Middle East.

What will happen tomorrow? That we shall see tomorrow. For now, the world calls us a hero of peace, and we are willing to accept it. For now, let us hold onto this medal and take pride in our country’s good name. Those who wish to spoil the mood—India, Israel, the Afghan regime, and their sympathizers—are already plentiful.

If, for whatever reason, Pakistan’s success is difficult for you to accept, then expressing such political resentment is akin to compounding a fault with further fault. A person learns to speak within the first two years of life, but it takes a lifetime to learn when to speak—and when to remain silent.

And yes, I am speaking about human beings—not donkeys.