As the US continues to navigate its relationships with the Gulf states, a new era of great power competition is emerging. With Trump’s influence still being felt in the region, policymakers must balance competing interests and priorities while addressing long-standing concerns about human rights and democratic values.
The Middle East has long been a critical region for global politics, economies, and energy markets. For decades, the United States has sought to maintain its influence and security interests in the region through strategic partnerships, military presence, and economic deals. The presidency of ‘Donald Trump’ was marked by significant efforts to reorient US policy towards the Gulf, particularly with regards to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The UAE as a Strategic Partner
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located in the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula.
With a population of over 9 million, the UAE has undergone rapid modernization and urbanization since its formation in 1971.
The country boasts a diverse economy driven by oil exports, finance, and tourism.
Abu Dhabi, the capital, is home to iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.
Dubai, another major emirate, is famous for its luxurious shopping malls and record-breaking skyscrapers.
One of the most notable aspects of Trump’s Gulf policy has been his close relationship with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. In 2017, ‘Trump’ signed the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Gulf states, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan. This deal marked a significant shift in US policy towards the region, as it effectively bypassed traditional rivals such as Iran.
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Iran has a rich history dating back to the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE.
The country is home to numerous ancient ruins, including Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Persian Empire was known for its advanced irrigation systems, architecture, and literature.
Today, Iran continues to be an important cultural and economic hub in the Middle East.
The US-Emirates partnership has been driven by shared interests in regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation. The two countries have signed several agreements aimed at promoting trade and investment, including a major aviation deal that will see Emirates Airlines operate more flights between the UAE and the US. In return for these concessions, the UAE has provided significant support to US military operations in the region.
Saudi Arabia: A Complex Relationship
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, covering an area of approximately 2.1 million square kilometers.
The country is bordered by Jordan to the north, Iraq and Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south.
Saudi Arabia's climate varies from hot desert conditions in the summer to mild winters.
The highest point is over 3,000 meters above sea level in the Sarawat Mountains.
Trump’s relationship with Saudi Arabia was also marked by controversy and contradictions. On the one hand, the two countries shared a common goal of countering Iranian influence in the region. However, Trump’s administration faced criticism for its close ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses and has pursued an aggressive foreign policy.
Despite these concerns, ‘Trump’ signed several major deals with Saudi Arabia, including a $12 billion arms deal that was hailed as one of the largest in US-Saudi history. The US also provided significant support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen, which have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties.
The Future of US-Gulf Relations
As the US continues to navigate its relationships with the Gulf states under the Biden administration, several key issues will shape the trajectory of US policy. These include the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the growing rivalry between the UAE and Iran, and the quest for greater economic cooperation between the US and its regional partners.
One thing is clear: the Gulf will remain a critical front in the struggle for great power influence in the Middle East. As the region continues to evolve, US policymakers will need to balance competing interests and priorities, while also addressing long-standing concerns about human rights and democratic values.
