Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi stated that Saudi Arabia has strong ties with both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, negating any preference in the US presidential race. He emphasized the Kingdom’s goal of utilizing its relationships with Washington to advance regional issues, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the geopolitical landscape evolving due to recent events, Shihabi noted the essential role of US involvement in these matters, alongside a significant shift in Arab-American voter support.
In recent discussions regarding Saudi Arabia’s stance on the upcoming US presidential election, political commentator Ali Shihabi emphasized that the Kingdom holds no specific preference between the candidates, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. On the Arab News program “Frankly Speaking,” he articulated that Saudi Arabia prioritizes leveraging its ties with Washington to address critical regional challenges, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shihabi remarked, “I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties.” Historically, while Saudi Arabia may have favored Republican administrations, the Kingdom’s relationship with Democrats has strengthened significantly, particularly after President Joe Biden’s critical campaign remarks about Saudi Arabia. The implications of the ongoing Ukraine-Russian conflict have shifted perceptions, leading the Biden administration to recognize Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance. Shihabi noted the likelihood that the next Democratic administration would carry forward many of the initiatives set in place by the Biden-Harris team. He asserted that the Kingdom’s relations with Trump and his associates are similarly robust, ensuring stable diplomatic ties regardless of who occupies the White House. In light of the ongoing geopolitical dynamics, Shihabi stressed the necessity of US involvement in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, calling America a crucial actor in any successful resolution. He articulated that increased American pressure on Israel is essential, declaring, “Without the US, efforts to push Israel toward a meaningful solution may struggle to gain traction.” Despite previously optimistic prospects for a US-Saudi normalization deal with Israel, recent developments, including the Hamas attacks and subsequent Israeli military responses, seem to have derailed such ambitions for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, Shihabi suggested that discussions have still forged closer security ties between the US and Saudi Arabia, although formal agreements remain elusive. As the election approaches, Shihabi noted the noteworthy trend of Arab-American voters supporting Trump over Harris, which reflects their dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of Israel. This development underscores a cautious optimism among some voters that Trump, despite his pro-Israel history, might adopt a more equitable approach to the Palestinian issue if reelected. He elaborated, “I think the Israelis may find that they don’t get what they exactly wished for if Mr. Trump wins… He may surprise us all.” Overall, the next US administration, regardless of its political affiliation, will need to navigate the complex landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, especially concerning the intensely sensitive Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the substantial influence of Arab-American voters in critical states.
The ongoing conversations concerning US-Saudi relations amid the backdrop of an impending presidential election highlight the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics. With the Israeli-Palestinian conflict being a pivotal issue impacting regional stability, Saudi Arabia seeks to assert its influence while maintaining beneficial ties with both major American political parties. The historical context of these relationships has shifted over time, especially in light of recent international events, further complicating expectations for the direction of US foreign policy depending on the election outcome.
The discussion presented by Ali Shihabi illustrates Saudi Arabia’s unique and advantageous position in its relations with the US, irrespective of the outcome of the presidential election. As indicated, the Kingdom’s engagement with both Democratic and Republican administrations prepares it to confront pressing regional issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The role of Arab-American voters also emerges as a significant factor, suggesting a heightened political awareness that may influence future diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
