Frankly Speaking: Does Riyadh prefer Trump or Harris?

Short Url
Updated 04 November 2024
Follow

Frankly Speaking: Does Riyadh prefer Trump or Harris?

Frankly Speaking: Does Riyadh prefer Trump or Harris?
  • Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi says Kingdom does not have a favorite but is looking to work closely with whichever candidate wins to help resolve the Middle East conflict

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia does not have a favorite in the US presidential race, and would enjoy strong relations with either Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Kamala Harris, Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi has said.

According to him, the Kingdom’s priority is to use its relationship with Washington to address pressing regional issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties,” Shihabi said on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking” just days before American voters are due to go to the polls.

“Either option works out well for the Kingdom, which is quite a unique state of affairs really in situations like this.”




Combo image showing Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (L) at a campaign rally in Reno, Nevada, on Oct.31, 2024, and former Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) at a campaign rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 29, 2024. (AFP)

Shihabi said Saudi Arabia may have historically leaned more toward the Republican Party, but the situation is different this time around, as in recent years the Kingdom’s relationship with the Democrats has vastly improved.

“Things have gone very well with the Democrats — not well early on, as everybody knows,” he added, referring to President Joe Biden’s threat to make Saudi Arabia “the pariah that they are” when he was campaigning for the presidency in 2019.

However, “the Ukraine-Russian war helped drive home the strategic importance of the Kingdom,” compelling the Biden administration to reassess its stance and to view Saudi Arabia as a stabilizing influence in the region, Shihabi said.

“Now, really, the relationship is as good as it could be at a deep institutional level,” he told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen. “And that would be expected to continue with a new Democratic administration.

“A new Democratic administration would be expected to carry on and adopt a lot of, if not all, the work that the previous Biden-Harris administration carried out. “At the same time, there’s a very warm relationship with Mr. Trump and the people around him. So it really works out well for the Kingdom either way. And that’s not a usual situation.

“Usually there has been a preference for Republicans, and ties have been closer under Republican administrations. But I think in this case it works out well, whoever wins.”




Ali Shihabi is an author and commentator on the politics and economics of Saudi Arabia. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

Shihabi said recognition of the Kingdom’s strategic importance in the Middle East has established it as a key partner for Washington, regardless of which party is in power. 
Likewise, Saudi Arabia is looking to the US, no matter which candidate wins, to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Kingdom has taken significant steps to advance the two-state solution, having launched a global coalition in September for this purpose. Shihabi believes US involvement is essential for any long-term success.

“America is an essential component and American pressure is an essential component,” he said. “Without the US, efforts to push Israel toward a meaningful solution may struggle to gain traction, given that Washington holds unique leverage over Israel.”

Shihabi said the attitude of the US toward Israeli actions will significantly impact the prospects for peace. “Unfortunately, the Biden administration wasn’t very strong or decisive with Israel,” he added, underscoring the need for firmer American resolve.

Just a few months ago, a historic US-Saudi security pact appeared to be imminent. At that time, bilateral relations appeared poised for a transformative agreement that could have included normalization with Israel.

However, the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that led to Israel’s invasion of Gaza is seen as having reshaped the political landscape, making such an agreement and Saudi-Israeli normalization unlikely in the near term. “It’s probably completely off the table for the time being, unless there’s a dramatic shift in the attitude of the Israeli government,” said Shihabi.

While a formal pact may be postponed, Shihabi believes the talks have already yielded closer security ties between the US and Saudi Arabia. “I think the discussions with America on that file have brought the Kingdom and America very close in sort of a de-facto security arrangement that isn’t a de-jure one yet,” he said.

Shihabi, who is an author and commentator on the politics and economics of Saudi Arabia, believes the next US administration — whether led by Trump or Harris — is likely to revisit the normalization talks. Indeed, both candidates have shown interest in brokering peace deals, and Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance in the Middle East ensures that these discussions will remain relevant.

However, Shihabi said much will depend on the next US administration’s willingness to press Israel toward meaningful concessions for the Palestinians. “The Israelis may be miscalculating if they think that Mr. Trump will be completely in their hands,” he said, hinting that the former president’s potential unpredictability could lead to renewed pressure on Israel if he returns to office.

“At the same time, the Harris administration will be inheriting a tremendous amount of work that the Harris-Biden administration carried out. So I think both parties will continue to pursue this file.”

During a recent roundtable with journalists ahead of last month’s BRICS Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the US bore responsibility for the worsening Israeli-Palestinian conflict, attributing it to what he called American monopolization of the peace process.

Asked if Russia has enough leverage to deliver a miracle that the Middle East desperately needs, Shihabi said: “No. Unfortunately, I don’t think so.” He believes it is ultimately American pressure that has the greatest impact on Israel.

“Whether it’s part of the Quartet or whether it’s not part of the Quartet, it boils down to the backbone that an American president has in standing up to the Israelis,” he said, referring to the joint peace efforts of the US, UN, EU and Russia.

Shihabi cited past examples where US presidents exerted influence over Israel, such as when President Dwight D. Eisenhower forced Israel to withdraw from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula in 1956, and when George H. W. Bush offered conditional loans in the 1990s.

While these instances are rare, Shihabi said, they demonstrate that US influence can shift Israeli policy when applied decisively. He remains skeptical that the current Israeli government, with its hardline stance, will make concessions without firm American intervention.

This challenge places considerable responsibility on Washington, as “the only party that has real muscle with Israel is America,” he said. “The problem is, sometimes it’s Israel that has muscle in America and not the other way around.

“The Israelis are very strong in America. They have a very strong lobbying operation. They exert enormous influence through a variety of means.

“It’s very rare that you get an American administration that takes out the stick to put the Israelis back into line. It may happen. I wouldn’t give it a huge amount of hope, but it’s not impossible.”

One of the more surprising developments of this election cycle is the shifting support of Arab-American voters, who according to a recent Arab News-YouGov poll are drawn by a 2 percent margin to Trump over Harris.

Shihabi said the finding likely reflects the voter group’s disillusionment with the current administration’s approach to Israel. “They’re confused, obviously, because the Biden administration has been very weak-kneed with the Israelis, and hasn’t been exerting enough influence or been adequately restraining them,” he added.

Despite Trump’s history of supporting Israel, Arab-American voters appear to believe he might take a stronger stance on the Palestinian issue if reelected. Shihabi believes this sentiment has something to do with Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker and his unpredictable approach to international affairs.




Ali Shihabi, an author and commentator on the politics and economics of Saudi Arabia, speaks with Frankly Speaking host Katie Jensen. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

“There’s that sense among some people that Trump may surprise us because he’s a strong individual; he doesn’t like to be pushed around,” Shihabi said. “He’ll be in his final term, and he loves making deals, and he’d love to solve the Middle Eastern question.

“I think the Israelis may find that they don’t get what they exactly wished for if Mr. Trump wins … He may surprise us all.”

Arab Americans have shown particular concern for the situation in Gaza, with polls indicating the issue ranks higher in importance than domestic matters such as healthcare or the economy.

According to Shihabi, the focus on Gaza revealed by the survey is a reflection of the emotional and cultural impact the conflict has had on Arab-American voters. “There’s been such wanton criminality in the way that the Israelis have behaved, and such intense human suffering, that it’s affected them like it’s affected so many other people,” he said.

The potential influence of the Arab-American vote may come into play in swing states such as Michigan, where even a small margin could sway the outcome. “It’ll be very nice if the Arab-American vote ends up making an impact, either way, because that will show that the Arab Americans are beginning to develop some political muscle,” Shihabi said.

While it remains uncertain whether their votes will tip the scales, he added, the predicted increased voter turnout among Arab Americans indicates a growing political awareness and engagement within the community.

With the leads enjoyed by Harris and Trump in different polls still razor thin, Shihabi would not be drawn on who he thought will be the likely winner. “It’s a coin toss as to which one of them will win,” he said. “We’ll just have to wait.”
 

 


Shared vision meets ambition as French President Macron begins Saudi Arabia state visit

 Shared vision meets ambition as French President Macron begins Saudi Arabia state visit
Updated 02 December 2024
Follow

Shared vision meets ambition as French President Macron begins Saudi Arabia state visit

 Shared vision meets ambition as French President Macron begins Saudi Arabia state visit
  • Visit to advance common goal of enhancing cooperation across various sectors in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030
  • Schedule includes high-level meetings, a visit to Riyadh Metro, Saudi-French Economic Forum and cultural stops in Diriyah and AlUla

RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron’s arrival in Riyadh for a three-day state visit is a testament to the deepening ties between France and Saudi Arabia. His visit, which follows an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflects the shared ambition to enhance cooperation across various sectors and to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030.

The state visit underscores a partnership rooted in mutual respect and long-term collaboration. It is the latest of several high-profile exchanges, including Macron’s Gulf tour in December 2021, which concluded in Jeddah, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris in June 2023, accompanied by a ministerial delegation. These meetings set the stage for France’s endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host Expo 2030, marking a milestone in bilateral relations.

Macron’s schedule includes high-level meetings, a visit to Riyadh Metro, the Saudi-French Economic Forum and cultural stops in Diriyah and AlUla. Elysee Palace views Saudi Arabia’s ongoing modernization and reforms as vital to the strengthening of the Kingdom’s position as a central player in a more interconnected Middle East. Accordingly, it supports Saudi bids for major global events, such as hosting Expo 2030, 2034 football World Cup and Winter Olympics, considering them as opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Two statues from the fifth to first century BC are displayed during the exhibition “AlUla: Wonder of Arabia” at the l’Institut du monde arabe in Paris on Oct. 7, 2019. (AFP)

The historical relationship between the two nations predates the Kingdom’s establishment. France opened its first consulate in 1830 in Jeddah in a part of the Arabian Peninsula that would later emerge as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was also one of the first countries to recognize Saudi Arabia as a sovereign state in 1926. Nearly a century later, the two countries share common values in international relations, including sovereignty, non-interference and respect for international law.

This partnership has evolved to address contemporary challenges. At the Summit for a New Global Financial Compact in June 2023, Saudi Arabia and France emphasized the need for an inclusive financial system to combat inequality, fund green transitions and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their shared vision highlights the alignment of priorities between the two leaders, united in their commitment to development and innovation.

Through the centuries, France has positioned itself as a global power in defense, energy, engineering, diplomacy, art and culture. But modern France is also undergoing a transformation aimed at adapting its economy to new emerging industries, collectively termed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, empowering its youth, and addressing climate-related challenges.

This transformation into a greener, more technology-driven economy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions under Vision 2030. Both countries have prioritized clean energy, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a significant player in renewable energy. Its investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects are matched by its leadership in the circular carbon economy, all key pillars of its Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives. These initiatives resonate with France’s own climate goals, fostering a natural synergy between the two nations.

FASTFACTS

• The number of French companies operating in Saudi Arabia has increased by more than 43% since 2020.
• French investors in KSA: Air Liquide, Airbus, Alstom, Crédit Agricole, L’Oréal, Sanofi Aventis, Thales, Total and Veolia.

Economic collaboration continues to flourish. French companies are integral to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, spanning sectors such as energy, healthcare, retail and tourism. Organizations like Business France and the Saudi-French Business Council play pivotal roles in facilitating trade and investment. Initiatives like Vision Golfe, an annual gathering of French and Gulf Cooperation Council ministers, entrepreneurs and executives, further cement this partnership through dialogue and innovation by offering a platform to promote business cooperation in markets with high growth potential.

Security and stability remain central to this relationship, particularly in addressing global challenges such as the Ukraine conflict. France has sought Saudi support in navigating the war’s human and economic repercussions and its impact on global supply chains. Energy security has also emerged as a focal point, with Saudi Arabia supplying hydrocarbons to Europe while advancing its role as a clean energy provider and one of the world’s biggest investors in renewables like solar, wind and hydro.

Saudi Arabia’s investments in renewable energy resources are part of a broader environmental strategy, being implemented as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, as well as the Kingdom’s adoption of the circular carbon economy

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, center, visits the construction site of a section of the Riyadh Metro under the contract of French company ALSTOM in Riyadh on Jan. 24, 2017. (AFP)

Regional developments will also likely figure prominently in the discussions during Macron’s visit, particularly regarding Lebanon, which remains without a president after more than two years of political paralysis.

Saudi Arabia and France have both played roles in seeking solutions to Lebanon’s crises, so any initiatives taken by them in the wake of the devastating monthslong conflict between Israel and the military wing of Hezbollah will be eagerly awaited. Partnership and consultation with Saudi Arabia are viewed by France as crucial to restoring order to the chaos in Lebanon.

With regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Elysee Palace is pushing for a ceasefire, release of hostages and humanitarian protections in Gaza. To this end, it has emphasized the importance of Saudi contributions through the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to advance a two-state solution for Palestine.

In addition to these pressing issues, Macron’s visit coincides with Saudi Arabia hosting COP16, a global platform addressing desertification under the theme “Our Land. Our Future.” Alongside this, he will attend the One Water Summit, co-chaired by France and Kazakhstan, which aims to address water resource management challenges in the face of climate change. These events underscore the commitment of both nations to environmental sustainability, a cornerstone of their partnership.

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is of course not limited to defense, business and energy transition. Cultural collaboration also forms a significant part of the Franco-Saudi relationship. Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, from AlUla to Diriyah and the Sarawat Mountains, offers a canvas for joint initiatives. At the heart of this is Villa Hegra, a cultural institution in AlUla, the ancient Saudi city, established through an intergovernmental agreement in 2021.

Villa Hegra was officially established following an intergovernmental agreement signed on Dec. 4, 2021, by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud and Jean-Yves Le Drian, the then French minister of foreign affairs and current president of Afalula, the French agency for the development of AlAula. Villa Hegra serves as an incubator for artists and creators, fostering dialogue and collaboration while exploring the socio-economic impact of cultural projects on local communities.

France’s Fabien Doubey and Paul Ourselin of TotalEnergies team ride during the first stage of the AlUla Tour cycling race in Al-Ula on Jan. 30, 2024. (AFP)

The duality of Villa Hegra, blending Saudi and French influences, mirrors the broader partnership between the two nations. Macron’s anticipated visit to AlUla will underscore the significance of these cultural ties and highlight Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a regional hub for art and heritage. This emphasis on culture complements the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy, attract global talent and position itself as a tourism and investment destination.

Amid these developments, the relationship between France and Saudi Arabia remains firmly anchored in mutual respect and shared goals. Macron’s visit offers an opportunity to build on a foundation that spans nearly two centuries, reinforcing partnerships in defense, energy, culture and economic development. The discussions in Riyadh will likely set the tone for future collaborations, as both nations continue to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape.

After Macron concludes his stay, the focus will shift to the outcomes of this visit, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, fintech and cybersecurity. France’s upcoming AI Action Summit in February 2025 presents another opportunity to align technological ambitions, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and forward-looking. Whether in addressing global challenges or celebrating shared heritage, the relationship between France and Saudi Arabia stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration.


KSrelief distributes clothing vouchers, shelter kits to hundreds in Lebanon, Afghanistan

KSrelief distributes clothing vouchers, shelter kits to hundreds in Lebanon, Afghanistan
Updated 02 December 2024
Follow

KSrelief distributes clothing vouchers, shelter kits to hundreds in Lebanon, Afghanistan

KSrelief distributes clothing vouchers, shelter kits to hundreds in Lebanon, Afghanistan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has distributed hundreds of vouchers across Lebanon to those most in need to buy winter clothing, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief gave out 455 vouchers in Miniyeh district, and 420 in the Beirut and Akkar governorates, to orphans and people with special needs. The vouchers enable people to buy winter clothing from approved stores.
The agency also distributed 164 shelter bags in Afghanistan, benefiting 984 people as part of a shelter project for people returning from Pakistan and those affected by this year’s floods.


Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo

Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo

Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo
  • Organization’s secretary-general: Israel making life for Palestinians ‘impossible’
  • International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People organized by UN since 1977

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the Arab League, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Matar, attended an event marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the organization’s headquarters in Cairo on Sunday. 

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, also attended, as did Saeed Abu Ali, an assistant on the Palestinian issue to Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, among other Arab ministers and officials. 

They confirmed full solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle to achieve their legitimate rights of freedom and independence, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Aboul Gheit said Israeli actions in the Occupied Territories aim “at ending the Palestinian presence, liquidating the project of the Palestinian state, and forced displacement, by making the life of Palestinian society ... impossible.” 

The Arab League honored UNRWA during a ceremony for its vital work in delivering aid and securing shelter for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People has been organized by the UN since 1977.

Events worldwide, including at the UN headquarters in New York, are planned yearly on Nov. 29. 


Right on track: Riyadh Metro commuters on board with excitement

The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1. (AN photo)
The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1. (AN photo)
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Right on track: Riyadh Metro commuters on board with excitement

The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1. (AN photo)
  • Arab News speaks to commuters at King Abdullah Financial District Station

RIYADH: The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1.

Stations were buzzing with excitement across the blue, yellow, and purple lines as commuters celebrated the opening of a project which was 12 years in the making. 

At the King Abdullah Financial District Station, which connects all three lines, Saudis, residents, and tourists spoke to Arab News about their eagerness to try out the city’s new mode of transportation.

Khalid Alohari, who was en route to visit his grandmother, told Arab News: “I live in the north, near to the KAFD Station, and my grandma is in the far east, so going by car was always a hassle. Now the metro will make visiting her so much easier. The experience is just phenomenal. I’ve been waiting for this.”

Medical student Khalid Alohari. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

As a medical student at King Saud University, he was eligible for a 50 percent discount on all fares. He plans to use the metro system regularly to attend classes.

He added: “A month (of) using public transport, the metro, the buses, the supplementary cars, for just SR70 ($18) for a student, it’s just something we didn’t imagine could happen. I have a station close to my home. I’m going to take it to the university, and use it for the commute.

“As a medical student, I can use the 30-40 minutes of the commute to study, and it will also have a positive impact on my grades. It’s a win-win for everyone basically.”

He said that the metro will play a crucial role in reducing the growing traffic problem in Saudi Arabia, while also making transportation a greener experience as the system runs primarily on electrical energy rather than oil combustion.

Tourists Greg and Emma Turra were visiting Riyadh from Australia. Unsure how to spend their last day in the city, they decided to hop on the train to see where it took them. They were surprised to learn that the special day was the first they could have accessed the mass transit system.

Greg told Arab News: “We were just looking at a bit of time to waste on our last six hours, and what better way than doing this? It’s not every day you ride a train on its opening day.”

Tourist Greg Turra. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

They started their journey from Alinma Bank Station on the blue line and made it to KAFD.

Emma said: “The first thing we saw was that it was brand new, modern, futuristic, and the architectural brilliance of it, really, is quite special.

“Everyone was so excited to be traveling on it — we couldn’t believe that. That’s how we realized that it was obviously the first day.”

Tourist Emma Turra. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

She added that the system could be an attraction for tourists as the city’s traffic has been a well-known problem for tourists.

She added: “Before I came to Riyadh I was told the traffic was a nightmare. And when we arrived, we took close to two hours to get to our hotel. This line goes to the airport so that might be another option for people.”

Ameera Alrumaih, a student at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, told Arab News: “I've been thinking about this project for forever.

Ameera Alrumaih, a student at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

“I’ve been seeing it being built near our house. Every outing we have, I always see the metro. I’ve been excited for forever to try it.”

Alrumaih and her friend hopped on the train from the university to grab breakfast at KAFD, and headed back to continue their classes.

Alrumaih said: “We traveled from our university to KAFD in less than 10 minutes, which is so much easier, especially for me. I think I would use it. I live in the east so from east to east I’ll still use my car, but from east to north I think I’ll use the metro.

“I’ve tried the metro in Istanbul and London. I think (in Riyadh) it is much clearer, much nicer and well-lit.”

Osama Alharbi. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

Commuter Osama Alharbi arrived at KAFD Station from Khurais Road with a sense of pride, and said: “It was so easy to come here. It’s around 15 or 20 minutes around this time but if you take a car from my house to KAFD, maybe an hour.

“When I came to the train station the support was so amazing. The (station managers and assistants) came up to the door to bring me to the ticket (machine) and tell me about the prices.”

The only issue he noted was that there was no clear direction between the standard and first-class sections so travelers could easily hop in any of the cars.


Saudi crown prince arrives in UAE on private visit

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival in the country.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival in the country.
Updated 01 December 2024
Follow

Saudi crown prince arrives in UAE on private visit

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival in the country.
  • Prince Mohammed was greeted by the UAE’s president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in the UAE on Sunday on a private visit, Saudi Press Agency reported.  

He was greeted by the country’s president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival.

Earlier on Sunday, the crown prince participated in a Gulf Cooperation Council summit held in Kuwait.