The United Arab Emirates' decision to leave OPEC suggests a move away from the Saudi-led regional order, potentially leading to increased rivalries, proxy conflicts, and instability in the Middle East.

<p>The United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC is the clearest expression yet of its desire to break from the Saudi-led regional order. The result could be a more fragmented Middle East marked by intensifying rivalries among Gulf powers, widening proxy conflicts, and chronic instability.</p>