Much more likely was that the Saudis and Israelis would share concerns — as they surely did — regarding a possible American policy shift and the immediate implications for regional security. And that means one thing: containing Iran. The polarization of American politics and foreign policy may have been exacerbated in the Trump years but by no means is it his legacy alone; he shares that distinction with his immediate predecessor, Barack Obama. In the Middle East, Trump’s character may not be admired but many of his policies are, whereas Obama’s administration was and is regarded with strong distrust. This, Obama was certain, would mellow the tyrannical ayatollahs and encourage them to rejoin the “the family of nations.”

Source: National Post November 24, 2020 14:37 UTC