Ali Shihabi discusses Saudi Arabia’s favorable relations with both US presidential candidates, Trump and Harris, emphasizing the Kingdom’s focus on leveraging ties to address regional concerns like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He highlights the improved relationship with Democrats since Biden’s initial criticisms. Changes in Arab-American voter preferences signal growing political engagement which could impact future diplomatic negotiations. Shihabi asserts that US pressure is vital for making progress in Israeli-Palestinian relations, regardless of which candidate wins the election.
In the current US political climate, Saudi Arabia maintains a neutral stance toward the presidential candidates, valuing strong relations with both Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. Ali Shihabi, a prominent Saudi political commentator, has articulated that the Kingdom’s priority lies in leveraging its relationship with Washington to address critical regional issues, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He remarks, “I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties,” a sentiment reflecting the unique nature of the Kingdom’s diplomatic standing in comparison to typical partisan alignments seen in previous election cycles. Historically, Saudi Arabia has fostered closer ties with the Republican Party; however, recent developments have notably improved its relationship with the Democrats. Shihabi noted that President Biden’s administration initially adopted a critical approach towards the Kingdom but later reconsidered this stance in light of the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia, particularly following the geopolitical shifts instigated by the Ukraine-Russian war. Despite the uncertain future of a formal US-Saudi security pact—impacted by the recent tensions following the Hamas attack and resultant Israeli military actions—Shihabi asserts that informal agreements have strengthened security ties between the two nations. He emphasizes that regardless of whether Trump or Harris emerges victorious in the election, both candidates are likely to pursue diplomatic efforts concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, viewing US involvement as crucial for meaningful progress. Shihabi underscores the necessity of American pressure to influence Israeli policies, suggesting that historical precedents from past administrations demonstrate the potential for US leverage. Furthermore, emerging trends among Arab-American voters reveal a shift in support, with a recent poll indicating a slight preference for Trump over Harris. This inclination may stem from disillusionment with the current administration’s policies towards Israel, highlighting a complex political landscape where Arab-Americans are increasingly attuned to the affairs affecting their communities abroad. In essence, the evolving political dynamics in the US, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s strategic positioning, reflect a nuanced relationship that transcends party allegiance. Shihabi’s insights on the implications of the upcoming election underscore a critical juncture for US-Saudi relations and the future of peace efforts in the Middle East. Ultimately, the outcomes of the US presidential race will hinge not only on the candidates’ policies but also on the collective sentiment and engagement of the Arab-American electorate, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both candidates will likely be compelled to navigate these intricacies as they formulate their foreign policy approaches in the years to come.
This article discusses the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States amidst the backdrop of the 2024 US presidential election. Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi provides insights into how the Kingdom assesses its relations with both leading candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The analysis includes historical context regarding US-Saudi relations, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and the influence of Arab-American voters on the election outcome. Central to the discussion is the role the US can play in facilitating peace efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the complexity of international diplomacy in a rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic strategy appears to be adapting to the fluctuating dynamics of US politics, as the Kingdom seeks to maintain influence and constructive dialogue regardless of the election outcome. With both presidential candidates showing an understanding of the need for robust US-Saudi relations and the importance of addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the next administration is poised to continue navigating these critical issues. Furthermore, the increasing political engagement of Arab-American voters may prove influential in shaping future US policies towards the Middle East, particularly regarding efforts for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
