Al-Arabiya, Saudi Arabia, Originally posted in Arabic on September 10
King Salman’s visit to Washington last week, which was deemed successful by all accounts – militarily, economically, and politically – proved to the world how well the Emirates have absorbed the shocks and upheavals of our region.
In fact, I think that it is safe to say that the visit announced the formation of two new “states” in the Gulf: Riyadh and Abu-Dhabi. Both capital cities, through their immense diplomatic efforts, have succeeded in defying what others thought about their resilience and capabilities.
They have broken through the limitations imposed upon them by the world, and proved to be clever and skillful players. In his visit to the U.S., the King addressed the Americans in the language that they best understand: that of interests. He started by outlining the large common policy goals the two countries share, despite some discrepancies in worldview on specific topics.
The King also made it a point to meet American businessmen investing in the Gulf, to whom he explained that if they want their investments to be fruitful, they must exhort political pressure to maintain stability in the region. The visit was extremely important in making the Americans realize the Gulf is their ultimate partner, both politically and economically.
It is the only political player in the world that is in good relations with all other key players – from the Europeans, through the Russians, to the Chinese. The Gulf has finally proven its maturity and readiness to take upon itself the leadership role it deserves in the region. In an ocean of disorder and turmoil, the Gulf is finally receiving the credit it deserves for being an island of stability and strength. – Hussan Heidar