In the 1990s, world leaders seeking to broker peace often boarded flights to Geneva or Oslo. Today, more often than not, they fly to Doha or Istanbul.
For decades, Europe was the epicentre of global conflict resolution. Countries like Switzerland and Norway, known for their neutrality and diplomatic tradition, played pivotal roles in mediating between warring factions across the globe.
Switzerland, through its “good offices” approach, facilitated negotiations in multiple conflict zones—from Syria to Mozambique. It also hosted major mediation actors like the globally respected Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.
Norway’s contributions were equally influential. It played a central role in the Oslo Accords and significantly supported the Colombian peace process, reinforcing its deep-rooted commitment to fostering global harmony.
But in recent years, the centre of gravity in international mediation has shifted—from Europe to the Islamic world. Nations like Qatar and Turkey have emerged as indispensable players in resolving some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
Turkey’s Strategic Mediation in the Russia-Ukraine War
A prime example of this shift is Turkey’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war. In July 2022, in cooperation with the United Nations, Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative, enabling the safe export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea.
This deal helped stabilise global food markets, with over 32 million metric tons of food shipped worldwide, much of it to developing nations, before Russia pulled out of the agreement in July 2023.
More recently, both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to hold new rounds of talks in Turkey aimed at securing a ceasefire and ending a war that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Their openness to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s mediation reflects Ankara’s unique ability to maintain balanced relations with both East and West, unswayed by traditional alliances.
Qatar: The Quiet Mediator with Loud Impact
Qatar’s diplomatic footprint also continues to grow. Despite its small population, Qatar has been quietly but effectively involved in conflict resolution for nearly two decades.
Its mediation efforts have spanned conflicts in Sudan, Chad, and Yemen, underscoring Doha’s deep commitment to regional stability—even if much of its work never makes global headlines.
Qatar has also played a crucial role in ceasefire negotiations related to Gaza, partnering with the U.S. and Egypt in attempts to de-escalate tensions. Despite repeated setbacks and growing frustration at the unwillingness of parties to compromise, Qatar has remained a key host and facilitator of dialogue between the Israeli occupation and Hamas.
A Shift in Global Diplomatic Geography
The pivot of global peace efforts toward the Islamic world reflects a broader geopolitical realignment. In particular, Gulf states now possess the financial clout to convert influence into tangible diplomacy.
This shift was made strikingly clear when U.S. President Donald Trump chose the Gulf as his first overseas visit during his second term, bypassing traditional allies in Europe, North America, and even Israel.
It’s a development that should be welcomed, not feared.
Many of today’s conflicts either take place in or disproportionately affect Muslim-majority regions. Mediators who understand the religious, cultural, and social dynamics of these communities can offer insight and credibility that Western diplomats may lack. Addressing warring Muslim parties through a shared cultural and religious vocabulary can often make the difference between prolonged conflict and meaningful peace.
Indeed, the very concept of peace is foundational in Islam—the word “Islam” itself is derived from “salaam,” meaning peace.
Mediation as a Moral Responsibility
While many world leaders pursue peace to cement their legacy, figures like President Erdoğan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, known for their religious conviction, see peacemaking not merely as a diplomatic duty, but as a moral and spiritual responsibility.
Critics—especially in Western capitals—often highlight human rights issues in Muslim countries now active in peace mediation. But such criticisms are not exclusive to the Islamic world. Western states have long mediated peace while themselves facing serious human rights scrutiny, and in many cases, have actively participated in military interventions and controversial foreign policies.
The reality is this: global diplomacy has never been the domain of saints. What matters is whether a state can rise above narrow self-interest when humanitarian needs demand principled action.
Qatar’s role in mediating truces in Gaza and Turkey’s role in the grain corridor initiative are just two examples of measurable, life-saving interventions. These outcomes—grounded in both realpolitik and compassion—are what truly count.
Toward a More Inclusive Peace Paradigm
To be clear, no country engages in peace diplomacy free of national interest. But to assume mediation is only legitimate when led by Western powers is both naïve and historically unfounded.
This shift in leadership should not be viewed as a threat to Europe’s diplomatic legacy, but as a necessary and complementary expansion of global peace-building capacity. Mediation is not a cheap enterprise—it demands resources, time, political capital, and institutional will to bring conflicting sides to the table.
As Europe faces economic and political turbulence, the rise of Muslim-led mediation introduces fresh perspectives, real funding, and culturally sensitive approaches into international diplomacy.
In a fractured world increasingly disillusioned with traditional powers, Muslim nations like Qatar and Turkey are stepping into roles that prioritize stability, justice, and regional understanding. Their contributions are tangible, informed, and driven by more than just ambition—they bring with them deep cultural insight, financial commitment, and local legitimacy.
This is not an attempt to displace Europe. It is an enrichment of the global peace toolkit. If peace is truly our shared goal, then every sincere contribution—no matter its origin—deserves recognition and respect.
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