In a world of chaos – opportunity emerges
By Aviram Bellaishe
web posted March 31, 2025
I read with great interest the article by Abed Al-Qader Zaoui titled "The World's Turmoil and How the Arabs Should Face It" in Alssahifa. It is a sharp, honest reflection of the growing sense of anxiety, moral confusion, collapse of norms, and lack of clear direction in today's international system – feelings shared by many around the world.
Yet alongside the accurate diagnosis of the chaos, I would like to offer an additional perspective: it is precisely within this chaos that real possibility lies. When old structures weaken, it is the clever and capable actors who can rise and claim a new role.
The World Is Not Collapsing – it is Shifting
Yes, the global system is in flux – alliances are fraying, economic blocs are competing, sanctions and pressure campaigns abound, and non-state actors are gaining power. But this is not the "end of the world." Rather, it is the beginning of a new order where influence is moving away from traditional centers (such as the United States and Europe) and into the hands of regional, technological, and economically adaptive players.
Those who can recognize and respond to this shift will not only survive but thrive.
While acknowledging this shift in global power, it is equally important to express deep gratitude to the United States. Since the historic 1979 peace accords with Egypt, the United States has consistently stood by Israel and played an essential role in brokering peace agreements in the region – including, most recently, the Abraham Accords, with more still to come. However, as part of a mature and forward-looking regional security vision, Israel and its neighbors must also take initiative. Peace must arise not only from American mediation but from a sincere internal understanding of shared needs and threats.
A future peace agreement with Lebanon, for example, should not be dismissed as utopian. On the contrary – it could become a vehicle for neutralizing Hizbullah not only as a threat to Israel but as a destructive force within Lebanon itself. Such a peace would open the door to joint economic, technological, and infrastructural cooperation that could revitalize both countries and the region.
And What About the Arab World?
Instead of standing as passive observers to a collapsing system, we must ask: what role are we prepared to play in shaping it?
Some Arab states have already begun to answer this question through bold action:
- The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco are pursuing new models of innovation, diplomacy, trade, and regional integration.
- Oman has positioned itself as a smart, neutral broker in times of tension.
- Countries like Egypt and Jordan increasingly recognize that long-term stability rests not only on military strength but on technological advancement, economic modernization, and youth empowerment.
A broader, long-overdue shift in perception is needed: to view the nations of the Middle East – especially those bordering Israel – as facing common existential challenges. From radical Shiite and Sunni extremism to food security, water shortages, healthcare resilience, and energy sustainability, our threats are no longer separate, and our solutions should not be either. Regional cooperation is no longer a diplomatic ideal – it is a practical, strategic necessity.
The international stage is not abandoning the Arab world – it is inviting it to participate meaningfully.
Leadership Is Not Found – It Is Built
Zaoui rightly points out the lack of thoughtful, visionary leadership. But is this an unchangeable fate? Are we destined to be led by populists and opportunists?
Today, in an age where knowledge is decentralized and influence flows through new channels, leadership can emerge from the ground up – through universities, private enterprise, civil society, and innovation hubs. It need not be limited to governments but rather fueled by ideas, responsibility, and bold action.
Controlling the Narrative – Not Silencing It
The author warns of an explosion of false information, rumors, and manipulation – and he is right to raise the alarm. But the answer is not censorship. The answer is to build tools for discernment, to educate, and to invest in critical thinking.
The real war today is not between states but between truth and deception – between empowered, aware minds and managed, misled ones.
If the Arab world wants to remain resilient, it must invest in media literacy, in independent institutions, and in a public that knows how to ask the right questions – and challenge the wrong answers.
In Conclusion: Within the Chaos – Clarity Belongs to the Responsible
We are living in an era where old powers decline and new frameworks emerge.
Those who cling to victimhood will be left behind.
Those who choose responsibility, wisdom, and strategic patience will help shape what comes next.
The choice is not the world's to make.
It is ours. 
Aviram Bellaishe, a leading expert in regional geopolitics, Middle Eastern affairs, and Arabic language and culture, served for 27 years in Israel's security apparatus. He gained extensive experience in negotiations, operating mechanisms of influence and perception, and developing strategic and international collaborations. His professional achievements earned him three prestigious excellence awards from the head of the security directorate. After his discharge, Bellaishe transitioned to commercial, economic, and technological cooperation with Arab countries, leveraging his expertise to expand business and financial partnerships in the region. He served as the Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the law firm Doron, Tikotzky, Kantor, Gutman, Amit, Gross & Co., and as Co-CEO of the firm's commercial arm. Additionally, he managed the "Israeli Peace Initiative" steering committee for several years and currently serves on the executive committee of Mena2050, an organization dedicated to advancing regional cooperation. Bellaishe holds a bachelor's and master's degree in law (with honors), specializing in conflict resolution and mediation. He is a doctoral candidate focusing on consciousness engineering and religious propaganda, with an emphasis on studying influence mechanisms in the Arab world. His extensive experience and unique expertise position him as a key figure in regional dialogue and cooperation efforts.
