Gulf states may co-opt US policy agenda

Significance

In a packed, high-profile programme, Trump will meet Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, attend bilateral Saudi talks and address a summit of Muslim rulers. This comes four days after a visit to the White House by Mohammed bin Zayed, the powerful crown prince of Abu Dhabi, who won a defence cooperation agreement.

Impacts

• Trump is likely to pursue a 'Gulf First' approach to the Arab world.
• The US government risks being drawn into the complex regional conflict in Yemen.
• US-UAE military cooperation trialled in Yemen could ultimately extend to the Horn of Africa.
• GCC-based funds will invest heavily in US infrastructure projects.