Obama, Trump and Hillary in the Eyes of Arabs

Other News
Reading Time: 2 minutes

By Focus Washington, Special for USDR

Chuck Conconi hosted Pierre Ghanem, an Arab journalist coveringWashington political affairs, on this week’s episode of Focus Washington. Ghanem offered cultural and geopolitical insights on the 2016 presidential election as seen from the Middle East.

Ghanem anchored his analysis in Arab voices to illustrate dominant viewpoints in Muslim-majority states. As political stability has intensified in various Arab nations, many have turned to the US for an international figure to address critical Arab interests. Uncertainty remains, however, over which candidate will strengthen relations between the US and the Arab world. According to Ghanem, Arab and Muslim government officials must first pacify fears over a US president who may mistreat Muslims and undermine regional policies.

Doubts remain over American priorities in the Middle East. When asked to clarify Arab disillusionment in American politics, Ghanem noted that the Obama administration was heavily criticized for its “pivot to Iran.” To date, candidates have not maintained a positive record of engagement with the Arab world. Though Hillary Clinton “gave more promises than Trump” on American commitments in the region, she “did not leave a lot of traces behind her” as Secretary of State, which can work both for and against her. Despite the challenges of harmonizing domestic and international interests, Ghanem affirmed hopes that the American people will elect a negotiator with a sharp eye on the Middle East.

About MSLGROUP
MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications and engagement group, advisors in all aspects of communication strategy: from consumer PR to financial communications, from public affairs to reputation management and from crisis communications to experiential marketing and events. With more than 3,000 people across close to 100 offices worldwide, MSLGROUP is also the largest PR network in Europe, fast-growing China and India. The group offers strategic planning and counsel, insight-guided thinking and big, compelling ideas – followed by thorough execution.

About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] is a global leader in marketing, communication, and business transformation. In a world marked by increased convergence and consumer empowerment, Publicis Groupe offers a full range of services and skills: digital, technology & consulting with Publicis.Sapient (SapientNitro, Sapient Global Markets, Sapient Government Services, Razorfish Global, DigitasLBi, Rosetta) – the world’s largest most forward-thinking digitally centered platform focused exclusively on digital transformation in an always-on world – as well as creative networks such as BBH, Leo Burnett, Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi, public affairs, corporate communications and events with MSLGROUP, ad tech solutions with VivaKi, media strategy, planning and buying through Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia, healthcare communications, with Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG), and finally, brand asset production with Prodigious. Present in 108 countries, the Groupe employs more than 76,000 professionals.

SOURCE Focus Washington

Share This:

Leave a Reply


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.