Muna AlFuzai

Among nearby  US presidential elections, a wave of public  anger against racism and unknown virus, many of us are following the analysis, statements and predictions that are being  published in the American media, especially since Gulf countries interests are closely linked with American policy and perhaps today it is stronger than ever.

The big question is what the 2020 U.S. presidential election means for the Middle East and the Gulf Countries (GCC)?

When US president Donald Trump entered the White House in January 2017, leaders from the region welcomed the new President-elect and prepared themselves to deal with the new administration. GCC officials congratulated the new President then and expressed their hope to strengthen the decades-old partnerships between their countries and the United States.

The US-GCC relations have strengthened through time, despite political conflicts and economic challenges in the area. But, as a fact the ties between the two sides have been stable even with the differences in the political agenda between the republicans and the democrats. I believe the relationship was maintained by mutual interests and stable leadership.   

 

While we are witnessing massive global changes in many issues, I don’t expect huge alteration in US policy towards the Gulf countries. But, Maybe the winner of the coming election may have a different prospective or agenda now towards Iran enriched uranium program and the sanctions that have been posed on Iran for the past three years. But, shall we witness variation regarding Iraq, Syria and Yemen, despite the different reasons!!!

I remember very well that in 2017, I published an article  at Kuwait times daily in which I wrote that  US policy has general rules, which none of the incoming presidents, whether from the Republican or Democratic party, will disagree or ignore. Today, after four years, and with new elections , such  expectations are returned, but in difficult circumstances  all over the world with the continued spread of the Corona virus and a wave of public anger.

I am following the upcoming US elections because the results are important to us in the Middle East, especially the Gulf countries here. The decisions that are taken there will have a direct impact on our lives for years.

I enjoy following the American electoral debates, especially that elections in the Arab world differ from elections in western countries.   Although the goal is unified and known, the   mechanisms and tools for monitoring the electoral process are diversified and open to the public.  The candidates also are subject to difficult debates and confrontations that involve revealing much of their personal and practical lives. That is something we are not familiar with in the Arab world. The electoral process in the United States of America is a very complex and competitive process, and the media plays a strong role in the process .

The Arab world faces a dilemma in consolidating the concept of democracy because many countries face the fact that elections entrench differences, even after the elections are over the  division is usually taking place on a sectarian or intellectual basis, which is the most dangerous impact even with public participation. In many cases the elections lead to the emergence of other problems.

The economy is essential. That is a fact. What is happening in America is undoubtedly a private matter, but the American economy is affected by the results of the elections, just as the American decisions affect us directly, especially as we are oil states.

I believe that the speculation now about the impact of the US elections on the Middle East will be early, so I will join the millions and watch the situation. Hoping for the good.

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Muna AlFuzai

Kuwait Times

Saturday, July 07, 2020