Donald Trump’s anticipated return visit to Saudi Arabia next week recalls his memorable first venture abroad almost eight years ago. The indelible image that still arouses wonder each time it is recalled is of Trump, along with the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman, and Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, around an enigmatic glowing orb in a darken chamber filled with screens. The scene captivated the world with its peculiarity as the three world leaders approached and planted their hands, held there for minutes, on the radiant white globe. To add to the mystery and intrigue, on closer scrutiny, it turned out the mystic orb was nothing more than a somewhat mundane globe.
The spectacle was magnified in grandiosity with the leaders’ faces eerily lit from beneath, similar to campers warmed by the light of an extravagant bonfire. While no words were exchanged, the moment was immortalized as photos and videos began spreading around the internet like wild fire. The scene stirred various reactions, ranging from comparisons to a sophisticated Star Trek bridge to a gathering of devious James Bond adversaries. Amidst the spectacle, Trump was seen to half-smirk, seemingly displaying a slight confusion.
Trump’s inaugural trip to the Middle East provided a glimpse of his unique approach to international diplomacy, which is now often expected. Eight years ago, his unpredictability and reluctance to conform to the usual rhetoric of American presidents made headlines. Today, Trump’s approach is less surprising, yet awaiting his second term’s journey, the world remains eager to see what happens next.
Trump’s style, ever since he returned to power, demonstrated no hesitations in testing the waters of international alliances and showing favoritism towards autocratic regimes over democracies. His revisitation comes at a moment characterized by tensions amidst humanitarian issues and reignited Gaza conflicts, alongside the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s nuclear future.
Years ago, as Air Force One’s wheels touched the sweltering tarmac of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, it was evident that the Saudis had learnt the art of pampering Trump. From the red carpet welcome to the booming cannons, and jet flyovers, Saudi Arabia had spared no expense. Trump’s visage was further illustrated on the side of the Ritz-Carlton resort where he was accommodated, encompassing the desert cityscape. The unforgettable orb was nothing but a prop in a hastily erected center to combat extremism, but its surreal essence was surpassed by the traditional sword dance performance at the nation’s official cultural center later that day.
Trump’s upcoming focus will primarily be on business interests involving technological investments, arms deals, and collaborative Artificial Intelligence projects. As part of his visit, a Saudi-U.S. investment forum is scheduled, with similar initiatives lined up for the United Arab Emirates. Despite the seeming pomp and grandeur of his trip, an accompanying diplomat suggested the focus is expected to be more on tangible business gain than on diplomatic breakthroughs.
No enthusiasm is expected from Israel for Trump’s visit as he doesn’t intend to step foot there unless he achieves a Gaza ceasefire that he can boast about. However, he simultaneously extended substantial discretion to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his Gaza campaign, including a proposal to relocate all Palestinian occupants for converting Gaza Strip into a resort.
The Gulf states’ leaders, wary of Israeli excesses, are likely to pressure Trump for restraint on Israel. According to Senator Chris Coons, the situation offers Trump an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership by persuading Netanyahu to abandon any plans for a full Gaza occupation and avoid displacing the Palestinians.
Negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear future will also crest the agenda of the trip. Trump has been vocal against any military action and reiterated his call for ‘total dismantle’ of Iran’s nuclear arsenal, a demand previously disregarded by Tehran. Clearly, Trump’s impending trip proposes not only pomp but absorbing geopolitical discourse.
Trump has nurtured an intimate relationship with the Saudi Crown Prince, colloquially known as MBS, during his presidency. One ambition for his second term includes the extension of the well-known Abraham Accords. Ties with Saudi Arabia are expected to potentially shape Middle-East politics under Trump’s continued administration.
Saudi Arabia capital, Riyadh, awaits the return of Donald Trump and a revisitation of the once celebrated anti-extremist center. However, it will not witness the replication of the ‘orb spectacle’, as it no longer graces the center. It was relocated to the U.S. embassy, a gesture of goodwill from the Saudi government, following the frequent photographs taken by American visitors.
In conclusion, Trump’s anticipated return to the Middle East signals an intriguing series of events tied to geopolitical maneuvers, financial gains, and tension mitigation. His larger-than-life presence always makes for a spectacle, yet with vested interests in discussions on Gaza, Israel, and Iran’s nuclear future, the stakes are high.
Through this return trip, Trump will aim to solidify his foothold in the Middle East, urging autocratic regimes towards his vision of prosperity. All predicted outcomes indicate integration of economic agendas, conjunctive technological projects and perplexing strategic dialogues.