The vast majority of internet traffic between Europe and Asia – as much as 90 percent – currently flows through a relatively narrow corridor in the Red Sea. This reliance on a single, vulnerable pathway has prompted a quiet scramble among tech giants and governments to diversify, a process that was significantly complicated by the events of October 7, 2023. A recent conversation with researcher Ned Leadbeater, featured on a podcast released December 16, 2025, sheds light on the complex geopolitical and logistical considerations driving this shift in global internet infrastructure, and how plans for increased connectivity are intertwined with regional normalization efforts.
Leadbeater, whose recent article “Fiber Optics and the Hidden Politics of Connectivity” explores these issues in detail, explained that the Red Sea route is susceptible to disruptions ranging from accidental damage to cargo ships to deliberate interference, as well as facing high installation and transit fees levied by Egypt. His research details how, prior to the outbreak of the current conflict in Gaza, companies like Google and Meta were actively developing alternative routes designed to bypass this bottleneck.
A Modern Map of Connectivity
The proposed alternatives, Leadbeater outlined, largely centered on establishing new fiber optic cable routes extending from the Mediterranean Sea, across Israel and Jordan, and ultimately into the Gulf states. This plan wasn’t simply about technological efficiency; it carried significant political weight. Successfully implementing these routes would have necessitated a new level of cooperation and, crucially, normalization – the development of normal diplomatic relations – particularly with Saudi Arabia. The idea was to create a more resilient network, but one that inherently linked regional political dynamics to the flow of global data.
The history of telecommunications infrastructure in the Middle East is deeply interwoven with political considerations, Leadbeater noted. He pointed to Pauline Lewis’s doctoral dissertation, “Wired Ottomans,” which details how the telegraph network in the Ottoman Empire was shaped by imperial ambitions and internal power struggles. Lewis’s function demonstrates that even seemingly neutral technologies are always embedded within existing political landscapes.
The Impact of October 7th
The events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza have fundamentally altered the calculus surrounding these infrastructure projects. Leadbeater explained that the conflict has forced states and corporations to reassess their security strategies and the viability of routes traversing the region. The initial momentum behind the Mediterranean-Israel-Jordan-Gulf corridor has likely slowed, as the political risks associated with relying on infrastructure within a conflict zone have become more apparent.
While the specifics of revised plans remain largely undisclosed, Leadbeater suggested that alternative overland routes, potentially through Turkey or Iraq, are now receiving increased attention. However, each of these options presents its own set of challenges, including geopolitical instability and logistical hurdles. The Submarine Telecoms Forum provides ongoing updates on global cable projects and the challenges they face. Their website serves as a valuable resource for tracking developments in this rapidly evolving field.
Beyond the Red Sea: A Global Network
The focus on the Red Sea and the Middle East is part of a larger global trend. Nicole Starosielski’s book, The Undersea Network, provides a comprehensive overview of the vast network of undersea cables that underpin the internet, highlighting its vulnerabilities and the geopolitical forces that shape its development. Starosielski’s research underscores the critical importance of this often-invisible infrastructure to the functioning of the modern world.
The podcast conversation also touched on the role of various actors involved in these projects, including telecommunications companies, governments, and financial institutions. The interplay between these stakeholders is complex, with each pursuing its own interests and priorities. Paul Cochrane’s reporting at Middle East Eye offers valuable insights into the political and economic dynamics at play. Cochrane’s work often focuses on the intersection of technology, politics, and business in the Middle East.
The podcast, recorded on December 16, 2025, reflects a moment of reassessment. The initial plans for bypassing the Red Sea bottleneck, predicated on a certain level of regional stability and normalization, are now being re-evaluated in light of the ongoing conflict and its broader geopolitical implications. The future of internet connectivity in the region, and the extent to which it will be shaped by political considerations, remains uncertain.
The conversation highlights that the seemingly technical issue of fiber optic cable routes is, in reality, deeply entangled with broader political and security concerns. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, understanding these connections will be crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Further updates on these developments are expected in the coming months as companies and governments refine their strategies in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape.
What do you believe about the future of internet infrastructure in the Middle East? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
