US diplomat Marco Rubio visited Saudi Arabia for talks on the Ukraine war, while the NAACP recognized Kamala Harris with the Chairman’s Award. Despite losing a close race to Trump, Harris’s contributions to equity were highlighted. Rubio’s meeting with MBS discussed Gaza’s future, while Senator Graham supported sanctions against ICC officials regarding Israel. Mexican ministers aim to negotiate trade tariffs with the US amid Google’s mapping dispute, and an alternative Gaza plan by Arab states is anticipated.
US top diplomat Marco Rubio is currently in Saudi Arabia for discussions regarding the Ukraine war, coinciding with a meeting between Russian officials and US representatives. Amidst these developments, European leaders express growing concerns. Additionally, the NAACP has announced that former Vice President Kamala Harris will receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, acknowledging her contributions to justice, equity, and opportunity.
Harris, who took over as the Democratic presidential contender in July 2024, faced challenges during her campaign and ultimately lost to Donald Trump, securing 226 Electoral College votes to his 312, and a close popular vote of 48.3% to 49.8%. The State Department revealed that Rubio met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), emphasizing the need for arrangements concerning Gaza to enhance regional security, while their conversation highlighted differing views on Gaza’s future.
Rubio praised Trump’s controversial proposal to annex Gaza and permanently displace Palestinians, a plan MBS resolutely opposes. Reports indicate that they also reaffirmed their support for the Gaza ceasefire and discussed broader regional stability issues including Syria and Lebanon. Meanwhile, a significant meeting between US and Russian delegations is scheduled to address various aspects of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with officials expressing apprehension about the implications for Europe and Ukraine.
During a recent press conference, Senator Lindsey Graham voiced support for President Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC), particularly in light of arrest warrants issued for Israeli leaders over Gaza-related war crimes. Graham emphasized the perceived existential threat these actions pose to Israel’s national security, asserting that any state enforcing the arrest warrants should be sanctioned heavily by the US.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her economic and security ministers will visit the US to negotiate trade tariff issues, hoping to avert the planned 25% tariffs on Mexican goods. Additionally, a dispute has arisen regarding Google’s reference to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US users, which Sheinbaum argues infringes on Mexican sovereignty.
Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s plan for Gaza, labeling it a ‘‘non-plan’’ and noted that Arab states are preparing an alternative proposal that respects Palestinian residency. He indicated that this plan, which may include normalization of relations for Israel, could significantly alter the regional dynamics if implemented effectively. Lastly, grassroots movement 50501 continues to mobilize national protests against Trump, aiming to inspire activism across all states on Presidents’ Day.
The article outlines recent high-profile diplomatic activities involving US officials in the Middle East, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine and Gaza’s future. It highlights Kamala Harris’s recognition by the NAACP, Rubio’s discussions in Saudi Arabia, and Graham’s support for sanctions against the ICC. Furthermore, it discusses Mexico’s negotiations with the US over trade tariffs and emphasizes the emergence of an Arab-plan countering Trump’s approach to Gaza, reflecting the significant geopolitical dynamics at play.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
