President Donald Trump was welcomed by King Salman bin Abdelaziz Al Saud in Riyadh in 2017. (Credit: AFP)
Donald Trump's Arab allies are no longer being spared. When Trump was asked about Jordan’s participation in his plan for the forced and permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the American president deflected to his visiting counterpart at the White House, King Abdullah II, who appeared visibly uncomfortable.In a diplomatic balancing act, the Jordanian king agreed to take in 2,000 sick children from Gaza but avoided taking a definitive position, deferring to a collective decision among regional capitals. “I think we have to keep in mind that there is a plan from Egypt and the Arab countries,” Abdullah II stated. “We're being invited by [Saudi Crown Prince] Mohammed bin Salman to discussions in Riyadh.”Even before taking office, Trump could already claim credit with his regional allies for fulfilling two of his biggest campaign...
Donald Trump's Arab allies are no longer being spared. When Trump was asked about Jordan’s participation in his plan for the forced and permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the American president deflected to his visiting counterpart at the White House, King Abdullah II, who appeared visibly uncomfortable.In a diplomatic balancing act, the Jordanian king agreed to take in 2,000 sick children from Gaza but avoided taking a definitive position, deferring to a collective decision among regional capitals. “I think we have to keep in mind that there is a plan from Egypt and the Arab countries,” Abdullah II stated. “We're being invited by [Saudi Crown Prince] Mohammed bin Salman to discussions in Riyadh.”Even before taking office, Trump could already claim credit with his regional allies for fulfilling two of his biggest...