Trump in the Gulf states: a rewarding trip?
Donald Trump was given a lavish welcome by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. After the meeting in the royal palace the White House announced a historic arms deal. Trump also seems likely to accept a luxury plane as a gift during his upcoming visit to Qatar. Europe's press ponders the consequences.
Europe is the loser here
La Repubblica sees Europe as having missed out:
“It's clear that Donald Trump will return from Riyadh with an alliance that closes the chapter on the human rights disputes that arose following the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He is opening up to Saudi Arabia on all levels, just as he did with China and the UK over the tariffs, whereas according to the rumours circulating in the corridors of the Saudi Versailles his stance vis-à-vis the despised Europe will become even tougher.”
Alliances that could actually do some good
There are also good reasons for the US president to visit the Gulf states, Politiken points out:
“Like it or not, the countries of the Arabian Peninsula are the most powerful in the Arab world. If there is to be peace in the Gaza Strip and hope for a Palestinian state, diplomatic and economic support from the Gulf states, and especially Saudi Arabia, will be vital. Curbing Iran's state terrorism and nuclear programme will also require a strong coalition with Saudi Arabia and its neighbours. ... Even if it looks nauseating and there are countless ethical problems, Trump's tour could actually do some good. And not just for his personal bank account.”
Qatar trying every trick in the book
Tvnet sees the gift of a luxury plane as a political acid test:
“Qatar's strategy for securing its international influence has always been multi-layered. ... A network has been built up that encompasses politics, the media, education, sport and the luxury industry. ... But this is a matter of principle. Past US presidents have even turned down symbolic exotic gifts: [the 8th US president] Martin Van Buren, for example, was prevented from accepting lions from the Sultan of Morocco. This means that this offer of an aircraft is now a test for the entire American political system.”
US president in the market for bribes
Dagens Nyheter sees Trump's willingness to accept Qatar's lavish gift as typical behaviour on his part:
“Trump is not even pretending to have any qualms. Those who criticise this gift of an aircraft are simply 'world class losers'. This is not just a matter of personal (im)morality, this is the way Donald Trump wants politics to work. Instead of free markets and the same rules for everyone he wants vassals who are forced to submit to his will and offer him bribes to be able to conduct their business. Incidentally, the Trump administration has both closed the Department of Justice's unit for fighting crypto crime and suspended the activities against foreign bribery. This is indisputably transparent.”
Derailed democracy
NRC sees a clear pattern:
“Trump and his inner circle are working hard on a far less public agenda: shameless self-enrichment. ... The cynical aspect here is that he has more leeway than any other president before him thanks to last year's Supreme Court ruling that presidents enjoy immunity for all acts performed in the course of their duties. So if everything is permitted, nothing is forbidden. What remains is a sense of bafflement at how quickly a well-functioning constitutional state can be derailed. Let that be a lesson to us: even established democracies are vulnerable to brutal autocrats.”