Edging closer to ‘deal of the century’

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Israel fully understands the significance of normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia, an understanding reciprocated by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, who recognizes the strategic leverage he holds for both Israel and its ally, the USA.

In July 1972, former Egyptian president Anwar Al Sadat abruptly expelled 20,000 Soviet experts, aiming for a purely Egyptian victory in the anticipated conflict with Israel in October 1973.

However, Sadat missed the opportunity to obtain benefits for rejecting Soviet influence in Egypt. This unwise move led Henry Kissinger, the then National Security advisor to US president Richard Nixon, to regret the lack of prior knowledge, stating they would have paid the price had they known in advance.

It’s evident that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is determined not to repeat Sadat’s mistake. He is not willing to sacrifice the strategic advantage he possesses for minimal gains. He intends to craft a mutually beneficial deal, particularly advantageous for his own country.

As days pass, we edge closer to the much-discussed “deal of the century,” anticipated to be settled before the spring of 2024, preceding the start of the presidential elections campaign.

In an interview with Fox News, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman expressed that negotiations are progressing positively. He emphasized that if the deal is reached, it will be the most significant one since the end of the Cold War.

Saudi Arabia’s primary objectives with the “deal of the century” include ensuring the rights of the Palestinian people and realizing their aspirations through a two-state solution.

Additionally, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman seeks to sign a treaty with the USA, ensuring American commitment to defend Saudi Arabia in case of foreign attacks — similar to treaties between the USA and Japan, South Korea, and various European countries.

He also aims to secure American weaponry without facing obstacles in the US Congress, paralleling Israel’s ease of obtaining weapons. Saudi Arabia desires to become a commercial partner with the USA, opening up American markets to Saudi products with reduced or no customs fees. The Saudi government will request President Joe Biden’s approval for uranium enrichment on Saudi soil under American supervision, as part of the normalization deal with Israel.

However, this proposition has been rejected by the USA in the past, with an alternative offer resembling the one signed with the United Arab Emirates — forgoing uranium enrichment.

Saudi Arabia aspires to be recognized as a strategic ally by the USA, akin to other nations. The demands from Saudi Arabia demonstrate political maturity and a comprehensive understanding of the importance of their available capabilities and negotiation assets.

The final structure of the deal involving the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Israel remains unknown. However, Israel’s involvement adds complexity, given its paramount concern for preserving national security, an aspect it is unwilling to compromise for any potential advantages.

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By Ahmad alsarraf

This news has been read 5107 times!