Saudi Arabia’s political commentator Ali Shihabi stated that the Kingdom has strong ties with both US presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He emphasized the importance of US-Saudi relations in addressing regional issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion touched on the evolving dynamics in US foreign policy, the influence of Arab-American voters, and the implications of the upcoming election on Saudi Arabia’s strategic objectives.
In a recent discussion on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi articulated that Saudi Arabia does not favor either candidate in the upcoming US presidential election between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. Shihabi emphasized that the Kingdom’s primary focus remains on leveraging its relationship with Washington to tackle pressing regional issues, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shihabi remarked, “I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties.” He indicated that while historically, Saudi Arabia had leaned toward the Republican Party, the dynamics have shifted significantly, particularly with the Democrats in recent years. This change has been influenced by geopolitical events, such as the Ukraine-Russian war, which underscored the strategic importance of the Kingdom to the United States. He noted that the relationship with the current Biden administration has matured, stating, “Now, really, the relationship is as good as it could be at a deep institutional level.” Shihabi suggested that the forthcoming Democratic administration would likely continue the framework established by the previous Biden-Harris administration, ensuring continuity in diplomatic efforts. He also underscored the Kingdom’s involvement in promoting the two-state solution and the necessity of American involvement to successfully navigate this complex issue. Despite efforts towards a formal US-Saudi security agreement, recent escalations, particularly the Hamas attacks, have complicated prospects for normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Shihabi speculates on the potential of future administrations, whether Democratic or Republican, to revisit normalization conversations, given Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in the Middle East. He lamented that current Israeli policies make meaningful concessions unlikely but reaffirmed that American influence remains essential for shifting Israeli policy towards a more conciliatory stance. Shihabi captured this sentiment succinctly, stating, “The only party that has real muscle with Israel is America.” He expressed skepticism regarding the current administration’s resolve to exert sufficient pressure on Israel, citing the substantial influence of Israeli lobbying in the US. Moreover, Shihabi addressed the shifting support of Arab-American voters amid the electoral landscape, indicating an inclination towards Trump, which reflects discontent with the current administration’s handling of Israeli affairs. He noted, “There’s been such wanton criminality in the way that the Israelis have behaved,” illustrating the emotional impact of the conflict on Arab-American communities. As the US elections approach, the potential influence of this demographic could significantly swing the results in key states. Overall, Shihabi’s insights underscore not only the unique position of Saudi Arabia in US foreign policy but also the intricate dynamics at play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He concludes with a cautious reminder that the outcome is uncertain, likening it to a coin toss: “We’ll just have to wait.”
The article discusses the nuanced relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States in the context of the upcoming US presidential election. It highlights the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in addressing regional issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how both Democratic and Republican candidates present different imperatives. The insights from Ali Shihabi underscore the complex interplay of historical relationships, current geopolitical realities, and the implications of domestic and foreign policy on Middle Eastern politics.
In conclusion, the dialogue presented by Ali Shihabi sheds light on the advantageous position of Saudi Arabia as it maintains strong ties with both US political parties. This relationship is critical as the Kingdom seeks to address significant regional challenges like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The shifting dynamics among Arab-American voters and the uncertain outcome of the presidential election only serve to underscore the ongoing complexities of Middle Eastern politics. Watching these developments unfold will be vital, as the direction taken by the next US administration will have far-reaching implications for peace in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
