Saudi Arabia holds a strategic advantage in US politics, having strong ties to both candidates in the upcoming presidential election. Political commentator Ali Shihabi emphasizes that the Kingdom’s relationship with the US is pivotal for addressing regional issues, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Regardless of which candidate wins, Saudi Arabia’s role remains crucial, with Arab-American voters showing significant political engagement.
In the upcoming US presidential race, Saudi Arabia finds itself in a favorable position, having established strong ties with both leading candidates: Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. Political commentator Ali Shihabi conveyed this sentiment during an interview on the Arab News program “Frankly Speaking.” He stated that the Kingdom’s foremost interest is to leverage its relationship with Washington to address significant regional issues, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Historically, Saudi Arabia has leaned toward the Republican Party; however, recent years have seen improvements in its relations with the Democratic Party. Shihabi noted that the Biden administration, amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict, reassessed its stance on Saudi Arabia, recognizing its critical role in regional stability. Regardless of the election outcome, Shihabi predicts that Saudi Arabia will maintain a robust partnership with the United States, which has become paramount for the Kingdom. He emphasized that both candidates would likely pursue similar policies regarding Saudi Arabia, positioning it as a key player in the Middle East. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has intensified efforts to advance a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recognizing that US involvement is crucial for any meaningful progress. Shihabi underscored that the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia has established it as an indispensable partner, regardless of which political party governs. The potential for a historic US-Saudi security pact had been on the horizon, aimed at fostering a transformative relationship that could include normalization with Israel. However, the recent escalation of violence, particularly following the Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent military response, has complicated prospects for such agreements. Furthermore, Shihabi highlighted past instances where former US presidents exercised decisive influence over Israeli policy and expressed concern that the current Israeli government might not make concessions without robust American intervention. He posited that, despite the complexity of the situation, it remains incumbent upon the next US administration to apply effective pressure to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation in the region. Interestingly, recent surveys indicate a shift in support among Arab-American voters, who now show a marginal preference for Trump over Harris, attributed to dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach to Israel. Shihabi speculated that this change reflects the community’s emotional response to the ongoing Palestinian plight and discovery of their political voice in American elections. As the election date approaches, the prospect of Arab-American votes influencing the outcome in swing states becomes increasingly relevant, signifying an evolving political engagement among this demographic. Ultimately, Shihabi remains noncommittal about the election’s outcome, stating, “It is a coin toss as to which one of them will win. We will just have to wait.” In conclusion, the evolving landscape of US-Saudi relations and the anticipated influence of Arab-American voters underscore the complexity and significance of the upcoming presidential election.
This article examines the dynamics of Saudi Arabia’s relations with the United States in the context of the 2024 presidential election. As both leading candidates—Donald Trump and Kamala Harris—approach the election, their respective policies regarding Saudi Arabia and its role in regional issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, are under scrutiny. The article also delves into shifting voter sentiments among Arab-Americans, particularly their responses to each candidate’s stance on these critical issues, reflecting broader themes of political engagement and international relations.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States is positioned favorably for the Kingdom, irrespective of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidency. Shihabi’s insights highlight the importance of American involvement in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and indicate a potential shift in Arab-American voting patterns that may influence the election outcome. The evolving political landscape suggests significant ongoing engagement between these parties, critical to the future stability of the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
