A sensational news is emerging from the geopolitical corridors of the Middle East which exposes the ongoing diplomatic equations between the world's most powerful countries and the oil-rich Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) had appealed to the US and other allies for his security due to the increasing attacks and missile strikes by Yemen's Houthi rebels. But due to lack of expected help from America's newly elected President Donald Trump and traditional ally Pakistan, Saudi Arabia's concerns have increased considerably. After Trump's direct refusal, Riyadh's strategists have started to realize that in this dangerous conflict in the Middle East, they will now have to prepare a strategy completely on their own for the defense and security of their country. Saudi Arabia and oil infrastructure crisis shaken by the attacks of Houthi rebels. Iran-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen have been continuously targeting the sensitive bases, oil refineries and airports of Saudi Arabia and its neighboring countries with their drone and missile flights for some time. Houthi attacks on international ships passing through the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait have put global trade and energy supply chains at great risk. Saudi Arabia has always been extremely sensitive about the security of its oil installations, which are considered the backbone of its economy, because even one major attack can shake the economic fabric of the country. It was because of these continuous and dangerous attacks by the Houthis that the Saudi Prince sought a strong military intervention and security guarantees from the Western superpowers and his other Muslim allies. Donald Trump's blunt refusal and America's new Middle East policy Saudi Arabia's hopes were dashed when Donald Trump, who returned to the presidency of America, clearly refused to directly involve the American army in a new and bigger war in the name of security of Gulf countries. Under the Trump administration's 'America First' policy, Washington is no longer in the mood to spend billions of dollars in endless wars in the Middle East and risk the lives of its soldiers. Donald Trump has said in clear words that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries should strengthen their own defense and give up the habit of being completely dependent on Washington for the security of their borders. This blunt stance of America has created a stir in the palaces of Riyadh as they have been relying on the US Security Umbrella for their military security for decades. Pakistan's indifference and failure of traditional military alliances Apart from America, Saudi Arabia also did not get the support it expected from its other close and traditional ally Pakistan in this time of crisis. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have had strong defense agreements in the past and Riyadh has repeatedly helped Pakistan in times of economic crisis by providing loans and oil worth billions of dollars. But due to the current geopolitical circumstances, its internal political and economic instability, the Pakistani rulers and military are reluctant to take the risk of sending their troops directly into the Yemen conflict or against the Houthis. This indifference and evasive attitude of Pakistan has proved that in modern diplomacy, military cooperation cannot be guaranteed only on the basis of old promises and financial assistance, due to which the Saudi leadership is feeling quite hurt and uncomfortable. New diplomacy of the Gulf countries and future uncertainties for regional stability. After all these shocks and challenges, Saudi Arabia has now started making major changes in its foreign and security policy, so that it does not remain dependent on any outside country in the future. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is now also promoting diplomatic dialogue with his arch regional rival Iran to reduce regional tensions so that the threat of Houthi attacks can be stopped through talks. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in strengthening its own modern defense technology, air defense systems and indigenous weapons production capacity. This situation arising out of the fear of Houthis and American deception has written a new chapter in the history of the Gulf region, where every country will have to fight the battle for its own security.
