HIBAPRESS – Abdelatif Baraka
In a remarkable development that reflects profound shifts within the Western camp, the positions of Spain, France, and Italy have revealed a growing crack in the unity of European decision-making regarding American military policies, after they refused to open their air bases to American aircraft in any military action against Iran.
This refusal, which comes in a tense international context, cannot be read as a technical or circumstantial decision, but rather reflects a strategic European direction that seeks to distance the countries of the European continent from direct involvement in the conflicts of the Middle East, especially in light of the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, and the increasing economic pressures on European capitals. These countries realize that any military escalation against Iran may open unforeseen fronts, not only in the Gulf, but also through waves of economic and security unrest that may extend to the European interior, therefore, it seems that the three capitals have chosen to send a clear message to Washington that the alliance does not mean automatic involvement in all of its military options. In contrast, this position raises fundamental questions about the future of Western alliances, especially the role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which faces a real test in its ability to maintain its cohesion in light of the divergence of interests and visions between its members. This development also reopens the discussion about Israel's position within the Western system, especially in light of the increasing talk of strategic rapprochement between it and the alliance, whether officially or through advanced security and military partnerships, however, the latest European position may complicate this path, as it highlights the limits of European involvement in any escalatory axis led by Washington and Tel Aviv in the region. Observers believe that this divergence may open the door to a reshaping of the balance of power within the West, where Europe seeks to assert the independence of its strategic decision, instead of remaining in the position of a follower of American policies, especially in files with high costs. In the conclusion of this new file, the current disagreement does not seem to be a passing difference, but rather an indication of a new phase of transatlantic relations, the title of which is redefining the alliance, and defining the priorities of each party in a world that is becoming more complex and diverse in power centers.
