Saudi Arabia currently enjoys favorable relations with both potential US presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with the Kingdom prioritizing the resolution of regional issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Political commentator Ali Shihabi emphasizes the importance of US involvement for meaningful negotiations and notes a shift in Arab-American voter support towards Trump, reflecting dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership.
Saudi Arabia currently maintains a neutral stance regarding the upcoming US presidential election, supporting either party’s candidate, whether Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Kamala Harris, according to Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi. On the program “Frankly Speaking” aired on Arab News, Shihabi elaborated that the Kingdom’s primary interest is harnessing its relationship with the United States to tackle critical regional issues, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shihabi noted that while historically Saudi Arabia has leaned towards the Republican Party, recent developments have enhanced its relations with the Democratic Party. He referenced the Biden administration’s evolving recognition of Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance in the Middle East, particularly following the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which underlined the Kingdom’s stabilizing role in the region. The commentator remarked, “Now, really, the relationship is as good as it could be at a deep institutional level,” suggesting that the next Democratic administration would likely continue the policies initiated by the Biden-Harris administration. Conversely, he also indicated that there is a strong rapport with Donald Trump and his associates. Shihabi stressed the significance of US involvement in advancing the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscoring the necessity of American pressure to ensure effective negotiations with Israel. Reflecting on the current political landscape post-October 7 attacks and subsequent escalations, he noted that while Saudi-Israeli normalization talks may be deferred, informal security dialogues between the US and Saudi Arabia remain strong. Additionally, Shihabi attested to the potential influence of the Arab-American vote in the upcoming election, noting a recent poll indicating a slight preference for Trump over Harris among this voter demographic. This shift may stem from disillusionment with the Democrats’ handling of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. He opined that Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker could lead to unexpected negotiations if he were to regain the presidency. Simultaneously, he acknowledged that both potential leaders must press Israel for meaningful concessions to foster peace in the region.
This analysis delves into the current political climate within Saudi Arabia’s relations with the United States, particularly in the context of the impending presidential election. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic position as a key ally for the US, emphasizing the Kingdom’s interests in resolving regional conflicts such as that of the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Shihabi’s insights reflect the nuanced balancing act Saudi Arabia performs between its historic partnerships and evolving relationships with both major American political parties, shedding light on how these dynamics may influence future peace negotiations.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s neutral position in the upcoming US presidential election reflects its strategic interests in maintaining strong relations with either potential administration. With increasing complexity surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and shifting voter sentiments among Arab-Americans, the Kingdom is poised to adapt to the outcome of the election while advocating for its interests in the Middle East. This dual approach of fostering ties with both Republican and Democratic leadership underscores Saudi Arabia’s unique role as a stabilizing force in the region, regardless of the political landscape in the US.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
