Saudi Arabia maintains favorable relations with both Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris as it seeks to address regional issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Political analyst Ali Shihabi indicates that the Kingdom’s ties to both parties place it in a strategic position, despite the changing dynamics influenced by ongoing conflicts. Moving forward, U.S. involvement remains crucial for advancing peace initiatives and navigating the political landscape formed by Arab-American voter sentiment.
In the evolving dynamics of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Saudi Arabia finds itself in a favorable position regardless of whether a Republican or a Democrat assumes office. Political commentator Ali Shihabi noted that the Kingdom maintains robust relations with both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, emphasizing that its primary goal is to leverage these connections 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.” Historically inclined towards the Republican Party, Saudi Arabia has recently fostered strong ties with Democrats, especially post the Ukraine-Russian war, which redefined the strategic importance of the Kingdom in U.S. foreign policy considerations. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is advocating for a renewed focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, having launched initiatives aimed at a two-state solution. Shihabi underscored, “America is an essential component… without the US, efforts to push Israel toward a meaningful solution may struggle to gain traction,” highlighting that U.S. pressure remains crucial for advancing peace negotiations. Though a potential historic security pact with Israel seemed plausible, the context of the ongoing conflict following the October 7 Hamas attack altered the landscape, making normalization less likely in the near term. Shihabi predicts that irrespective of the electoral outcome, the next U.S. administration will reassess normalization discussions with Israel, noting both candidates are inclined to pursue peace agreements, with Trump’s unpredictability possibly reshaping Israeli attitudes. As the Arab-American voting bloc shows tentative support for Trump, possibly due to dissatisfaction with current U.S. foreign policy, their influence in key states could play a pivotal role in the election’s outcome.
Saudi Arabia has traditionally maintained close ties with the United States, historically favoring Republican administrations. However, the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly, particularly due to recent global events. Saudi Arabia has cultivated a more balanced relationship with the Democratic Party, which has become essential for its strategic initiatives in the Middle East, notably efforts toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The U.S. serves as a critical ally in this regard, where American pressure is viewed as necessary for facilitating progress. In light of recent conflicts and changing political winds, the transactional nature of U.S.-Saudi relations continues to evolve, becoming increasingly influential as the 2024 election approaches.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic relations with the U.S. position the Kingdom favorably regardless of the electoral victor in 2024. As it seeks to address regional conflicts, especially regarding Israel and Palestine, the Kingdom’s strategic alliances with both Democratic and Republican candidates are pivotal. Historical patterns suggest a preference for Republican leadership, yet recent developments indicate a more nuanced relationship with Democrats, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing importance in American foreign policy. The potential impact of Arab-American voters, particularly regarding their views on Middle Eastern policy, underscores the complexity and significance of the upcoming election.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
