The IMEC network in the Gulf advances with the participation of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. The lack of diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is the biggest obstacle. Bahrain’s inclusion would benefit the project with its ties to Saudi Arabia, its financial importance and its logistical potential. Oman’s inclusion would resolve security risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
MbS’s visit to Trump marks a turning point: Saudi Arabia surpasses Israel as US priority with large investments and military agreements, including F-35. Trump will provide F-35 in exchange for US investments. Saudi Arabia will increase its investments to $1 trillion, removing the Israeli veto on military agreements. The Middle East region experiences a change, showing the new US approach towards Arab allies at the expense of Israel.
Dafna H. Rand joined Brookings to study the Middle East and North Africa. She highlights the urgency of ending the war in Gaza, the importance of Israel and its alliances, and criticizes the mistaken decisions of the U.S., such as the invasion of Iraq. She focuses on the U.S. influence in the region to promote prosperity and peace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan returns to the White House after 4 years to meet with Donald Trump, showing a connection based on their vision of the global order and disdain for liberal hegemony. Both leaders seek to highlight short-term victories, such as the purchase of Boeing planes and Trump’s possible support for Turkey’s return to the F-35 program. They seek to expand trade and align on foreign policy, despite challenges such as the conflict with Israel and the dispute over the S-400 missiles.
Israeli attacks on Arab capitals, such as Doha, combine global strategy and tactical objectives against Iran, involving complex geopolitical interests, mainly the presence of a US military base and violations of international law.
