Ali Shihabi, a Saudi political commentator, contended that Saudi Arabia holds a neutral stance towards the U.S. presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, fostering strong ties with both to advance regional interests, notably in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shihabi outlined the necessity of U.S. involvement for any meaningful progress on this issue, while also noting the shifting sentiments among Arab-American voters.
In the lead-up to the American presidential elections, Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi emphasized that Saudi Arabia maintains a neutral stance towards the candidates, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. He articulated that the Kingdom enjoys robust relationships with both parties, enabling it to leverage its American ties to address regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shihabi noted, “I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties,” indicating that either electoral outcome would be beneficial. Although historically, Saudi Arabia has favored the Republican Party, recent years have seen improved relations with Democrats, particularly as geopolitical dynamics, including the war in Ukraine, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance. He remarked that the Biden administration has reassessed its approach to Saudi Arabia, acknowledging it as a stabilizing force, which has fostered deeper institutional ties that he anticipates will endure under a new Democratic administration. Shihabi opined, “Either option works out well for the Kingdom, which is quite a unique state of affairs really in situations like this.” Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Shihabi underscored the necessity of American involvement in advancing the two-state solution, stating, “America is an essential component and American pressure is an essential component.” He expressed concern over the Biden administration’s handling of Israeli actions but remained hopeful that regardless of which candidate is elected, U.S.-Saudi dialogues focused on peace efforts would continue. The recent geopolitical landscape, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack, has complicated the nation’s prospects for normalizing relations with Israel, a key aim for Saudi Arabia. Shihabi explained, “It’s probably completely off the table for the time being unless there’s a dramatic shift in the attitude of the Israeli government,” suggesting that albeit formal agreements may be delayed, informal security arrangements have solidified. Shihabi, who has extensive knowledge of Saudi political dynamics, anticipated that normalization discussions would remain relevant under either presidential candidate due to Saudi Arabia’s vital role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Nevertheless, he cautioned that effective U.S. pressure will be crucial to ensure Israeli concessions. Concerning Arab-American voters’ shifting loyalties, Shihabi noted recent polling reflecting their lean towards Trump, likely stemming from dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies toward Israel. This rising political engagement among Arab-Americans, particularly in swing states, could significantly influence the elections. The outcome remains uncertain, with Shihabi asserting, “It’s a coin toss as to which one of them will win.”
This article discusses the geopolitical implications of the forthcoming U.S. presidential elections on Saudi Arabia’s international relations, specifically its relationships with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The commentator Ali Shihabi provides insights into how these relationships affect Saudi efforts toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid changing U.S. policies and global events such as the Ukraine-Russian conflict. The article also touches on shifts in Arab-American voter sentiments and their potential electoral impact, underscoring the evolving political landscape.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s unique position of maintaining strong relationships with both U.S. political parties allows it to effectively navigate regional challenges, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ali Shihabi’s insights illustrate the relevancy of U.S. involvement in future peace efforts and highlight the rising political engagement of Arab-Americans, which may play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections. The uncertainty regarding which candidate will prevail further complicates the international dynamics at play.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
