Saudi Arabia, poised neutrally ahead of the forthcoming US presidential elections, seeks good relations with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, as emphasized by political commentator Ali Shihabi. He notes the recent historical context of improved ties with Democrats, particularly in light of the Kingdom’s strategic importance. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a critical focal point for US-Saudi relations, while evolving Arab-American voting trends could impact electoral outcomes. The ultimate victory remains too close to call, setting the stage for future diplomatic engagements.
Saudi Arabia maintains a neutral stance ahead of the upcoming US presidential election, expressing a strong desire to cultivate relationships with either potential winner—a Republican or a Democrat. Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi articulated in a recent appearance on the Arab News program “Frankly Speaking” that the Kingdom is positioned advantageously with solid ties to both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Shihabi noted the importance of continuing these relationships to address critical regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Historically, Saudi Arabia has been perceived as favoring the Republican Party; however, recent years have seen significant improvements in ties with Democratic administrations. This shift was notably influenced by the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia highlighted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to a reassessment of its role by the Biden administration. Shihabi remarked, “I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties,” indicating that this unique scenario benefits Saudi Arabia regardless of the electoral outcome. He emphasized that a prospective Democratic administration would likely continue the diplomatic initiatives undertaken during the Biden-Harris administration, while simultaneously, relationships with Trump and his associates remain robust. Furthermore, Shihabi underscored Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to promote a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by forming a global coalition. He indicated that American involvement remains critical for the success of such initiatives: “America is an essential component and American pressure is an essential component.” He also acknowledged growing frustrations with the Biden administration’s perceived lack of decisiveness regarding Israeli policies. Following the recent escalation of conflict following the Hamas attack and Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza, prospects for a historic security pact and normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel appear diminished. Shihabi conveyed, “It’s probably completely off the table for the time being, unless there’s a dramatic shift in the attitude of the Israeli government.” Despite these hurdles, bilateral cooperation on security matters between Saudi Arabia and the US continues to strengthen in the absence of formal agreements. Shihabi maintains hope that the next US administration, whether led by Trump or Harris, will revisit normalization discussions, as both candidates have demonstrated a commitment to pursuing peace agreements in the Middle East. An unexpected trend noted this election cycle is the shifting allegiances of Arab-American voters, who are currently leaning toward Trump, contrary to historical voting patterns. Shihabi attributes this shift to a perceived inadequacy in the current Democratic administration’s approach to Israel, resulting in disillusionment within the Arab-American community. He remarked, “They’re confused, obviously, because the Biden administration has been very weak-kneed with the Israelis.” Concerns over the situation in Gaza are paramount among Arab-American voters, with issues related to the conflict taking precedence over domestic concerns in polls. The influence of this demographic may be notably impactful in swing states, as Shihabi suggests that this growing political awareness marks a new phase in Arab-American engagement with broader electoral dynamics. Ultimately, as both candidates move toward the November elections, the electoral stakes remain high, with a toss-up scenario anticipated: “It’s a coin toss as to which one of them will win. We’ll just have to wait.”, The evolving dynamics of US-Saudi relations, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the emergence of Arab-American voting influence, will significantly shape the geopolitical landscape in the region.
As the US presidential election approaches, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is brought into focus, particularly concerning its relationships with both major political parties. The Kingdom has historically maintained closer ties with Republican administrations, yet the dynamics have shifted with recent improvements in relations with Democrats. Political commentator Ali Shihabi provides insights into Saudi Arabia’s strategic interests and its positioning to leverage relationships with either election outcome to further its regional goals, particularly in connection to the volatile Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Moreover, the voting trends among Arab-Americans present an evolving challenge for political candidates, illustrating how foreign policy issues resonate with domestic voter sentiment.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance ahead of the US elections underscores its strategic advantage in engaging with both major parties regardless of proposed policies. The Kingdom’s focus remains on addressing regional conflicts, especially the Israeli-Palestinian issue, with the expectation of continued US involvement. The shifting voting patterns among Arab-Americans signal a growing political engagement that could influence future US foreign policy. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, but the implications for Saudi-US relations and Middle Eastern peace initiatives are profound and will require careful navigation by whichever candidate emerges victorious.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
