Saudi Arabia’s Neutral Stance in the U.S. Presidential Elections: Perspectives on Future Relations
Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi asserts that Saudi Arabia holds neutral ground in the U.S. presidential race, valuing relationships with both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He emphasizes the Kingdom’s focus on leveraging U.S. ties to tackle regional issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Notably, shifts in Arab-American voter support may impact the election outcome, reflecting broader concerns over U.S. policy in the region.
In the context of the upcoming United States presidential election, Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi has asserted that Saudi Arabia maintains a neutral stance and sees value in its relationships with both leading candidates, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. On the Arab News program “Frankly Speaking,” Shihabi noted that the Kingdom’s primary goal is to leverage its ties with Washington to address significant regional challenges, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He described the Saudis as being in a favorable position given their longstanding ties with both political parties, suggesting, “Either option works out well for the Kingdom,” indicating a shift from past tendencies that favored Republican administrations. Shihabi pointed out that in recent years, ties with Democrats have considerably strengthened, particularly due to the geopolitical climate influenced by the Ukraine-Russian conflict, which has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic significance. Despite the historical lean towards Republican support, Shihabi stressed that the current administration’s relationship with the Kingdom is robust, and whether a new Democratic administration or a Trump-led government takes office, the status quo is expected to persist. Furthermore, Shihabi remarked on the importance of American involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, advocating for significant U.S. pressure to help propel Israel towards meaningful concessions. He expressed skepticism regarding the current Israeli government’s willingness to engage in negotiations without strong American intervention, as the U.S. is viewed as holding substantial leverage over Israel. The ongoing developments in the region, specifically the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack which led to Israel’s invasion of Gaza, have considerably influenced Saudi-Israeli normalization discussions, rendering such prospects unlikely in the near future. Nonetheless, Shihabi believes that the groundwork for enhanced U.S.-Saudi security arrangements has been established. Meanwhile, he acknowledged the shifting sentiments among Arab-American voters, many of whom now appear inclined toward Trump, partly due to perceived inadequacies in the Biden administration’s handling of Israeli interests. Shihabi concluded that the outcome of the election remains uncertain, indicating that the Arab-American vote could play a critical role in influencing key states, thus amplifying their political capital in U.S. elections.
The discussion surrounding Saudi Arabia’s stance in the U.S. presidential election is crucial, particularly given the Kingdom’s strategic importance in the Middle East and its desire to foster strong relations with the incoming administration. The evolving landscape of Saudi-American relations has significant implications on regional stability, especially concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As both candidates express interest in engaging with Middle Eastern affairs, understanding the Kingdom’s position can help illuminate the future of U.S.-Saudi relations and their impact on broader geopolitical dynamics.
In conclusion, the analysis presented by Ali Shihabi emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s unique position in U.S. politics, where it can cultivate beneficial relationships regardless of the election outcome. The Kingdom’s proactive approach towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict underscores its critical role in regional diplomacy. Additionally, the shifting preferences of Arab-American voters may hint at a broader political awakening, potentially affecting election dynamics in swing states. As the election approaches, the ramifications of these relations will be paramount for future U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
