An American writer warns: The war in the Middle East is closer than we think

American journalist Walter Russell Mead has warned that the United States may find itself a party to another war in the Middle East, more closely than politicians in the White House think.

The writer indicated - in an article published by him in the American Wall Street Journal - that reducing the risks of the outbreak of that war requires a rapid and comprehensive change in the US administration's policies.

He also said that Iran's relentless efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, and its close partnership with Russia, are bringing the Middle East closer to a war in which the United States is one of the parties, although President Joe Biden's administration is striving to avoid this.

The writer believes that the outbreak of a major military confrontation in the Middle East will be an invaluable blessing for Russian President Vladimir Putin, as it will lead to a rise in oil prices, which will be in the interest of Moscow, whose coffers will be filled with its revenues, and exacerbate pressure on European countries.

The outbreak of the Middle East war will also distract the efforts of the Pentagon, which will have to divide the available weapons between Ukraine and allies in the Middle East.

That war would also change the balance in the Taiwan Strait in favor of China.

The American writer indicated that Russia would have opposed Iran's possession of nuclear weapons under normal circumstances, but the circumstances of the war in Ukraine and Putin's urgent need for Iran to stand up to US plans are factors that may push Putin to help Tehran acquire a nuclear weapon.

He said that Putin does not have to help Iran with nuclear power to ignite a war in the Middle East, as helping Tehran to develop its military capabilities - to the extent that it can limit Israel's ability to attack Iranian nuclear facilities - is enough to force Israel to launch a preemptive strike on Iran, which will trigger a regional war. in the area.

The writer concluded in his article that the United States cannot get Russia and Iran to avoid measures that would lead to the outbreak of a new war in the Middle East, but it may try to adopt a strong policy in hopes of deterring Moscow and Tehran.