The U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, James Smith, told the Arabic news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat
that American foreign policy will now change after President Barack
Obama's reelection. Smith made the comments at an election night party
at his residence.
Ambassador Smith "stressed the desire of President Obama to resolve a number of foreign issues, most notably restoring negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian sides, responding more strongly to Iran, and working with allies to end the Syrian crisis, in addition to providing support for the new governments in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, and assisting the current Yemeni President," Asharq Al-Awsat reported.
The ambassador appears not to have elaborated further.
Obama was famously overheard promising the Russian leadership more flexibility after he was reelected by the American people. It now seems Obama believes he will have more flexibility in the Middle East, too.
The Arabic outlet also asked the ambassador about America's relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood:
Read more: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/us-amb-saudi-arabia-us-foreign-policy-will-change-after-obama-victory_662092.html
Ambassador Smith "stressed the desire of President Obama to resolve a number of foreign issues, most notably restoring negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian sides, responding more strongly to Iran, and working with allies to end the Syrian crisis, in addition to providing support for the new governments in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, and assisting the current Yemeni President," Asharq Al-Awsat reported.
The ambassador appears not to have elaborated further.
Obama was famously overheard promising the Russian leadership more flexibility after he was reelected by the American people. It now seems Obama believes he will have more flexibility in the Middle East, too.
The Arabic outlet also asked the ambassador about America's relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood:
With regards to the reservations being harboured by some in the Gulf region towards America’s supposed backing for the Muslim Brotherhood, Ambassador Smith denied that the Brotherhood received special support from the Obama administration before the rise of the Arab Spring in the region. He stressed the need to adhere to democratic choices, rather than imposing the choices of foreign powers, whilst also askin “where did the Islamists come from?” The Ambassador pointed out that following his victory at the Egyptian presidential elections; President Mohammed Mursi’s first official state visit was to Saudi Arabia.
Read more: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/us-amb-saudi-arabia-us-foreign-policy-will-change-after-obama-victory_662092.html
No comments:
Post a Comment