All eyes, especially in the Arab world, were focused this week on US President Barack Obama, and the leaders of the six, influential Gulf states who were invited to the US at the presidential compound in Camp David, primarily to discuss the upcoming talks with Iran on its nuclear ambitions.
But the unexpected absence of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has sparked an exaggerated political storm on the eve of the all-important session that many suspected had indicated a rift between the Obama administration and the Saudi monarch. The two sides rejected this misinformation, partly pointing to Saudi Arabia’s entanglement with the deteriorating political and security conditions in neighbouring Yemen.
The relationships between Saudi Arabia and the US is noteworthy for the US sale of more than $50 billion (Dh183.9 billion) of weapons over the past few decades. Now, however, there has been a noticeable decline in US import of oil from the Arab kingdom since American oil resources have lately expanded. Actually, the Saudi king is represented by his Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef, who reportedly has strong ties with the US political and security establishment, as well as Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, the king’s son, who also serves as the Defence Minister.
Although the Saudi government has not expressed any public misgivings about the ongoing talks between Iran and the P5+1 (US, Britain, France, Russia, China plus Germany) there is general disappointment in the Arab Gulf region about US silence over growing Iranian influence in the Middle East — especially in Syria, Iraq and even Lebanon.
On the other hand, for Obama, it is reportedly significant that he can tell his opposition within the US Congress that the anticipated Iranian deal has broad regional support from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The deal with Iran is expected to be finalised by June 30. Additionally the hosting by the US Fifth Fleet by Bahrain is an achievement.
Despite Obama’s focus on Iran, a commendable step, his reluctance to crack the whip on Israel’s continued expansion into the Occupied Territories, including occupied East Jerusalem, remains a black spot on his record. Regrettably, no mention has been made at this unprecedented session with the Gulf states on this other crucial Middle East issue, namely Israel’s defunct policies that have resulted in a weakened cabinet this week, whereby it has a majority of just one in the Knesset — a status that can be toppled by any member going to the bathroom, as has been observed elsewhere.
Much as the mild reproach this week by the US of Israel for building new homes for Jews in occupied East Jerusalem — a similar development had embarrassed Vice President Joe Biden five years ago during his visit to occupied Jerusalem — is commendable, it is still high time that the Obama administration voice more serious objections rather than expressing “disappointment” and “concern” over this Israeli action.
Likewise, a statement a week ago by Wendy Sherman, US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, in which she warned that if the new Israeli government does not demonstrate its commitment to a two-state solution, America would have a difficult time continuing to assist its efforts to halt international initiatives on the Palestinian issue at the United Nations (as reported by Haaretz).
Adding insult to injury, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, reportedly a likely Republican candidate running for president, is now visiting Israel as “a traditional primary step”, according to Haaretz. “But if you want to know what he’s up to in Israel,” the paper continued, “you would have to follow the Republican Jewish Coalition’s executive director on Twitter.” The trip is being funded by Our American Revival and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Obama needs to act fast before the end of his presidential term next year. Otherwise, such immature political aspirants could help ruin America’s reputation worldwide.
George S. Hishmeh is a Washington-based columnist. He can be contacted at ghishmeh@gulfnews.com
