Gulf States: Big Wins and Missed Opportunities

The Gulf States pulled out all the stops for a recent visit by a US President. They had big hopes. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE wanted to show they were open for business and back in the good books with the US. They wanted to shift their relationship from just oil-for-security to something more solid, with investments and shared goals. Saudi Arabia was after a formal security deal. They didn't get it, but they got close. They secured some big arms deals, which could lead to a bigger agreement later. They also got a massive $600 billion investment deal with the US. The Saudis were also thrilled about the US easing tensions with Syria. This could open up Syria for Saudi investments. But, they didn't get US help with their nuclear program. The US is wary of Saudi Arabia's plans to enrich uranium, fearing it could lead to nuclear weapons. Qatar scored a big win with its first-ever state visit by a US President. They signed deals worth billions, including a huge Boeing order. They also got security assurances from the US, which is crucial given Qatar's proximity to Iran. Qatar has been a key US ally, hosting the biggest US military base in the region. The UAE was keen on boosting its AI and tech game. They got a partnership to build a massive AI complex in Abu Dhabi. This could make the UAE a major player in AI. But, they didn't get unrestricted access to advanced US microchips. The US has tightened controls on AI exports to keep tech out of the hands of rivals like China. However, there are signs that the US might ease these restrictions for the UAE. All three countries signed big deals and got headlines. They showed they were confident in their relationship with the US. But, they also missed out on some key goals. It was a mix of wins and losses for the Gulf States.