Optimism and uncertainty at summit as Middle East awaits Trump’s return
Trump had a warm relationship with Saudi Arabia during his first term in office
In sharp contrast to the fears voiced in Europe about Donald Trump’s famous unpredictability, Gulf Arab countries tend to view him as a force for stability.
Writing in the officially approved Arab News opinion column, the prominent UAE business leader Khalaf al-Habtoor says: “In a Middle East where security is paramount, Trump’s focus on strengthening alliances and curbing extremist forces offers a way forward.”
Here in Saudi Arabia, Trump is viewed much more favourably than Joe Biden.
Trump chose Riyadh for his first overseas trip as President in 2017, an idea reportedly brokered by Rupert Murdoch.
Through his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Trump enjoys warm relations with the de facto Saudi ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known by his initials, MBS. The crown prince has never forgiven or forgotten Biden saying that Saudi Arabia needed to be made a pariah for its attitude to human rights.
Trump's previous administration brokered the historic Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab League states
Trump’s record in office is a mixed one when it comes to the Middle East.
On the one hand he pleased Israel and upset the Arab world by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as well as Israel’s annexation of the occupied Golan Heights. But he also secured the Abraham Accords in 2020 which saw the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco establish full diplomatic relations with Israel and Sudan agree to do so. Trump was, and is, hawkish on Iran.
FULL ARTICLE AT: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr71nr723no
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