The US under President Donald Trump has reached a point where its foreign policy has become embarrassing for Arab leaders. The current administration is moving swiftly towards a techno-feudal financial oligarchy, blurring the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Trump controls both houses of Congress and has a sympathetic Supreme Court. However, some judges are challenging his executive orders. The situation is reminiscent of some Arab monarchies, making it interesting to observe the dynamics between the US and Arab states amidst the Middle East tensions.
During Trump’s meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan, he proposed an ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza, which risks upending the region. This idea has been met with embarrassment from Arab leaders, including King Abdullah. The situation has led to a postponement of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Washington.
The proposal is a clear reflection of Trump’s approach to foreign policy, which seems transactional and not based on traditional diplomatic principles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also made similar remarks about creating a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, but the royal court in Riyadh rejected these suggestions.
For Arab monarchies to influence US decision-making, they need to speak together in a coordinated manner. The emergency Arab summit could be an opportunity for this, but history shows that such gatherings often result in little concrete action. The situation highlights the complex dilemma faced by Saudi Arabia and other Arab states in promoting their reform agendas while maintaining legitimacy.
Trump’s remarks about Gaza have raised concerns among scholars focused on Middle East diplomacy, who see his approach as challenging logic and conventional wisdom. It appears Trump is seeking to help Netanyahu restart the war in Gaza, potentially leading to further recognition of Israeli annexations of Palestinian lands. The Saudi response has been critical, emphasizing that Israel’s actions are an “extremist, occupying mentality” that disregards the Palestinian connection to their land.
The Arab monarchies face a difficult decision: will they continue to commit to the Abraham Accords and peace treaties with Israel when its intentions seem anything but peaceful?
Source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/trump-arab-leaders-netanyahu-how-much-longer-run-amok