Gulf News
Editorial
Today, the US regional policy is back on track. After years of strains and confusion, it is evident from two days of meetings in Riyadh that President Donald Trump is determined to bring back the historic relationship between the America and the Arab world, particularly the Gulf region, to its traditional roots. He has declared that his administration is committed to a strong alliance with the Gulf, based on common interests, that is aimed at addressing common threats such as extremism and terrorism, containing the danger posed by the expansionist policies of Iran and pushing for a lasting and settlement to the Palestinian question.
While former President, Barack Obama, managed to disappoint the region by aligning his country with forces of destabilisation, particularly those who exploited the so-called Arab Spring to wreak havoc in the Arab world leading to the spread of destruction and terrorism, President Trump has made it very clear over the past few days that he knows who America’s real partners are.
“We are not here to lecture — we are not here to tell other people how to live… or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership — based on shared interests and values,” Trump said yesterday in his speech at the Arab-Islamic- US Summit. “America is prepared to stand with you,” he told Arab and Muslim leaders.
Trumps showed a very clear understanding of the regional dynamics and affirmed his plans to play a key role with regional states to stem the bloodshed and confront those responsible of instigating violence and sectarianism, especially Iran.
Echoing King Salman’s statement that Iran is the sources of terrorism in this region, Trump stressed that Tehran funds, arms and trains militia that spread destruction and chaos, adding that Iran fuels the fires of sectarian conflict and terror. “Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate it,” he said.
The strategic relationship between the US and the Gulf states is based on solid fundamentals of common interests and shared vision, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces said yesterday.
The region today looks more confident and hopeful of its ability to face the challenges. President Trump is seizing the right moment to be on the right side of history.
