How the Israel-Hamas War Is Tilting the Global Power Balance in Favor of Russia, China – WSJ

DUBAI The war between Israel and Hamas isn t just risking a regional conflagration. It is also affecting the global balance of power, stretching American and European resources while relieving pressure on Russia and providing new opportunities to China.

The long-term effect of the Middle East flare-up is hard to predict. It depends, first of all, on whether Israel is ultimately successful in its stated goal of eliminating Hamas as Gaza s main military and political force. Another critical issue is whether Israel s diplomatic relationships in the region and the global standing of its Western supporters can survive the rising civilian casualties in Gaza and the looming horrors of urban warfare in the densely populated enclave.

via www.wsj.com