How the Crown Prince did it his way

by Dr. Ali bin Hamad Al-Kheshaiban

We are getting close to the US President’s visit to the region. The political corridors are crowded and there are questions being asked. This may not be the first visit by an American president, but it may be the most effective visit to the region and the world is watching.

This visit is in contrast with the prevailing idea about America’s desire to isolate itself from the Middle East. An area that has been of strategic influence since the seventies. When President Obama announced his doctrine, he made its centerpiece the reduction of the American presence in many regions of the world. Many speculations were made regarding the region, and it is future in terms of national security. Gulf states have been the most important ally of America for decades. Understanding the political space in the region required an accurate understanding of the difficult geopolitical transformations that shaped the region for more than a decade.

The approach to the relationship with Iran that America has taken over the past year and a half has been remarkable and prompted the countries of the region to stop thinking in traditional ways. Alliances and regional security interests coming from the east were questioned. Despite Saudi Arabia’s realization of the importance of the American role in shaping the strategic image of the region and its security, Saudi began to seriously consider pushing forward modernization on the political, economic, and cultural tracks. Prince Mohammed said that “the kingdom is progressing steadily in a huge program aimed at development and change.”

After the Russian-Ukrainian war, there is a new global view of Moscow, regarding the war and its effects. Russia is fighting a long war that is likely to continue for many years. This war brought to mind the history of Europe after World War II. The result cannot be predicted in light of the complexities of European assumptions. Russia will do anything to prevent the return of Ukraine to Europe. This means that change is coming not only to Europe but to many regions of the world. This war is gradually having an impact on the world politically and economically. Even the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is affected. This leader in energy production in the world finds itself at the center of a transformation of the world and the economies of countries. His Highness Prince Mohammed responded, “We are not worried about the future of the Kingdom, but we look forward to a brighter future.”

Go back to the year 2015, and we find answers to many questions about the Kingdom and its transformations. It is a country that is difficult to influence just by direct criticism of its political behavior. Saudi Arabia is a country with flexibility, and it can return to the political scene and stand at its forefront quickly. The scene that occurred during the past few days proves this. His Highness the Crown Prince made visits to Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey. The quick visits, though great in their impact, reveal how His Highness the Crown Prince was able to make Saudi Arabia’s political schedule full of activities, events, and international meetings. The world realized that Saudi expects to be influential in affecting these changes, changes that will affect the world economically and politically.

The message that history teaches us is that Saudi Arabia has never been, and will never be, lacking in influence on the international political scene. It constitutes the heart of the global economy, especially in the field of energy and regional security, while possessing the ability to build its political image, anew. It will act swiftly at every international turn. A fact that will enhance international awareness of Saudi Arabia. This image is a confirmation that addressing the international awareness about the role of Saudi Arabia requires careful observation of the Saudi capabilities whose project is being led and implemented in his way. The way of His Highness the Crown Prince.