Participants in a panel discussion organized by TRENDS Research and Advisory emphasized that relations between the US and Middle Eastern countries, especially the GCC, are strategic and longstanding, based on constants and shared interests, and are not significantly affected by the change of president.
They noted that US foreign policy towards the Middle East and its issues is governed by constants and interests, and that the US foreign policymaking process is driven by institutions rather than individuals. They highlighted that the US-Arab relations are strong and based on cooperation in various vital fields. Therefore, US policies towards regional issues are fixed and will not change with the president.
These remarks were made during the panel discussion titled “The Impact of U.S. Elections on the Middle East Peace Process,” organized by TRENDS as part of its series of events that monitor and analyze regional and international developments.
Shared Interests
The discussion began with Mohammed Al-Salmi, Senior Researcher and Head of Research Sector at TRENDS, who emphasized that US-GCC relations are strategic and longstanding, based on constants and shared interests that are not significantly affected by the change of president.
He added that the US has for decades been, and will always remain, a strategic partner for the GCC countries, and that US-GCC security and military cooperation is expected to continue regardless of the winning party, although the degree and type of this cooperation may vary.
Important Developments
Awadh Al-Breiki, Senior Researcherand Head of TRENDS Global Sector, confirmed that the upcoming US presidential elections have seen several important developments, including the division within the Democratic Party and Joe Biden’s withdrawal in favor of Kamala Harris.
Al-Breiki noted that a Trump re-election would not come as a surprise for GCC countries, which know him well, have interacted with him, and worked with his administration during his first term. More importantly, Trump’s return to power would be in the interest of the Middle East and the GCC region.
Middle East Issues
Fahad Al-Mahri, Senior Researcher and Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector, pointed out that US foreign policy in the Middle East is governed by consistent principles, determinants, and interests, regardless of whether the administration is Republican or Democratic. US foreign policy is institutionally driven rather than individually driven.
Al-Mahri explained that US policies remain consistent despite presidential changes, especially since Arab countries have strong ties with the US, based on cooperation in various vital areas. Therefore, US policies towards regional issues are fixed and will not change with the president.
Mutually Beneficial Relation
Ayesha Al-Remeithi, Senior Researcher and Director of Research Department at TRENDS, noted that China has become a significant focus in both Republican and Democratic election campaigns, reflecting each party’s view of China. Some observers describe US-China relations as “mutually beneficial” yet problematic, making them a critical factor in candidates’ programs.
Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher at TRENDS, stated that the US withdrawal from the Middle East has significantly affected its relations with regional countries. Today, both the Republican and Democratic parties recognize the importance of strengthening ties with Arab states, particularly the GCC.
Shared Interests
The discussion began with Mohammed Al-Salmi, Senior Researcher and Head of Research Sector at TRENDS, who emphasized that US-GCC relations are strategic and longstanding, based on constants and shared interests that are not significantly affected by the change of president.
He added that the US has for decades been, and will always remain, a strategic partner for the GCC countries, and that US-GCC security and military cooperation is expected to continue regardless of the winning party, although the degree and type of this cooperation may vary.
Important Developments
Awadh Al-Breiki, Senior Researcherand Head of TRENDS Global Sector, confirmed that the upcoming US presidential elections have seen several important developments, including the division within the Democratic Party and Joe Biden’s withdrawal in favor of Kamala Harris.
Al-Breiki noted that a Trump re-election would not come as a surprise for GCC countries, which know him well, have interacted with him, and worked with his administration during his first term. More importantly, Trump’s return to power would be in the interest of the Middle East and the GCC region.
Middle East Issues
Fahad Al-Mahri, Senior Researcher and Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector, pointed out that US foreign policy in the Middle East is governed by consistent principles, determinants, and interests, regardless of whether the administration is Republican or Democratic. US foreign policy is institutionally driven rather than individually driven.
Al-Mahri explained that US policies remain consistent despite presidential changes, especially since Arab countries have strong ties with the US, based on cooperation in various vital areas. Therefore, US policies towards regional issues are fixed and will not change with the president.
Mutually Beneficial Relation
Ayesha Al-Remeithi, Senior Researcher and Director of Research Department at TRENDS, noted that China has become a significant focus in both Republican and Democratic election campaigns, reflecting each party’s view of China. Some observers describe US-China relations as “mutually beneficial” yet problematic, making them a critical factor in candidates’ programs.
Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher at TRENDS, stated that the US withdrawal from the Middle East has significantly affected its relations with regional countries. Today, both the Republican and Democratic parties recognize the importance of strengthening ties with Arab states, particularly the GCC.
