The selection of Saudi Arabia by the Trump administration as the venue for crucial discussions on Ukraine highlights the significant diplomatic progress the Kingdom has made since its image plummeted to that of a near pariah following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
The negative perception surrounding the nation, particularly regarding its de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seems to have diminished, although international concerns regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices still surface at various global forums.
Financial investments across various sectors, especially entertainment and sports, showcase the country’s determination to solidify its status as a prominent player on the global stage.
In terms of diplomacy, Saudi leadership has also been amplifying its influence. During the Biden administration, the Kingdom notably drifted from its previous dependence on the US as its principal international ally.
The Saudis have prioritized their own interests, fostering closer ties with nations perceived as major competitors to the US, such as Russia and China.
The prospect of Donald Trump returning to the presidency would likely be met with enthusiasm by the Saudis.
His inaugural foreign trip during his first term was to Saudi Arabia, and the transactional approach of his foreign policy aligns more closely with the current Saudi rulers.
A notable objective for Mr. Trump would be to secure a peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which would mark a significant advancement of the Abraham Accords introduced in his earlier term.
However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza poses challenges that may elevate what Saudi Arabia seeks in return for such a peace deal.
The Kingdom was swift in its rejection of Mr. Trump’s Gaza proposal, which involved displacing Palestinians to reconstruct the area as a resort.
This response has motivated Saudi Arabia to collaborate with other Arab nations to devise a feasible alternative that allows Gazans to remain during the enclave’s reconstruction, ultimately aiming for a two-state resolution to the conflict.
Contrastingly, the current stance of the Trump administration appears misaligned with this approach regarding Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
How these issues are navigated will significantly influence the evolving dynamics between Saudi Arabia and the United States.
One thing is certain: the Saudis are resolute in their ambition to establish themselves as a vital player in global diplomacy.
