Washington Awaits a Saudi–UAE Rift Explosion… Western Fears of a Shift Pushing Them Toward China
Foreign Policy: Rivalry Between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi Likely to Escalate in Yemen, Oil Markets, and Trade Routes
NYN | Reports and Analyses
U.S. assessments revealed on Wednesday expectations of an intensifying Saudi–Emirati rivalry in the coming phase, amid the absence of any direct American or European intervention to contain the growing dispute between the two allies.
The American magazine Foreign Policy published an in-depth analysis examining the nature of the escalating tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi since the beginning of this year. It noted that the trajectory of the dispute appears headed toward further escalation, particularly in files related to the Yemen war and broader regional influence.
Failed Mediation and Diminishing Prospects for Understanding
The magazine explained that regional mediation efforts have not produced tangible results, and that prospects for cooperation between the two sides have become limited to specific sectors only. This, it suggested, increases the likelihood that the competition could shift to sharper levels in the near future.
A “Neutral” U.S.–European Stance for Fear of Losing Both Allies
The analysis pointed out that the United States and European countries are avoiding taking sides in the dispute, fearing that doing so could push Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or both, toward strengthening ties with China.
According to the magazine, greater openness by both Gulf states toward Beijing could grant China broad strategic gains, including in shipping and investment, in addition to expanding its presence through military bases in sensitive regions tied to global trade routes.
Trump: We Will Not Intervene… Despite Ability to Resolve It
The U.S. president Donald Trump recently reiterated that Washington does not wish to become involved in the dispute between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, despite saying he could “easily resolve the conflict.”
These remarks come despite reports indicating that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates injected nearly $1.5 trillion in support of his administration over the past year.
