Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s recently completed visit to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey, initially planned for last year, was influenced by Trump’s Gaza plans. In Saudi Arabia, he observed the growth of women’s football, symbolizing societal change. While engaging with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, concerns arose about the potential relocation of Palestinians, which poses significant political challenges. Throughout his trip, Steinmeier addressed rising Islamophobia in Germany, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
Originally scheduled for last year, Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s trip to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey finally took place, influenced by recent announcements from former US President Trump regarding Gaza.
During his visit, Steinmeier found himself surrounded by young girls donning green jerseys, reminiscent of the Saudi national team. Accompanying him was Monika Stab, a football coach who previously led the Saudi women’s national team. Her efforts have been pivotal in advancing women’s football within the kingdom, and in Riyadh, she shared her insights on the progress made in this traditionally conservative nation.
The emergence of women’s football in Saudi Arabia may seem contradictory, but it signifies a gradual shift towards openness within the kingdom. With plans for the men’s World Cup in 2034, the country is also aiming to bolster its appeal to international tourists. Strolling through Riyadh’s streets at night, one can observe a diverse range of veiling practices, alongside women who have chosen to forgo headscarves altogether.
Trump’s recent announcement that the US intends to ‘take control of the Gaza Strip’ adds a layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Trump’s Plans
Originally intended for last year, Steinmeier’s visit encountered delays due to the political upheaval in Germany. This state visit marks the first time a Federal President has traveled to Saudi Arabia. Steinmeier’s arrival is particularly timely, as Trump’s controversial relocation plans for Palestinians in Gaza are causing ripples throughout the region.
Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) maintains a cordial relationship with the new US President, sharing a similar approach of understanding international relations through business. However, when it comes to the proposed relocation, Saudi Arabia firmly opposes Trump’s stance. The idea of forcibly displacing over two million individuals from their homeland is inconceivable to the Saudis, and this critical message is one that Steinmeier carries forward to his next destination.
In Amman, Steinmeier meets with King Abdullah II, whose country has long hosted a significant Palestinian population. Approximately half of Jordan’s Arab-descended citizens have Palestinian ancestry, creating a complex dynamic. While there is widespread empathy for Palestinians among Jordanians, the prospect of accepting an additional million refugees poses a substantial challenge, raising concerns voiced by the German government.
Jordan strives to manage the spillover effects of regional conflicts, navigating a delicate balance.
Jordan’s Vulnerability and Political Challenges
Prior to his audience with the king, Steinmeier engages with local experts, including Edmund Ratka from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, who has been residing in Jordan since 2020. Ratka sheds light on the difficulties presented by Trump’s plans for Jordan. He explains that supporting the relocation strategy would be nearly impossible for the king to justify to his people, as it would be seen as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and a setback for aspirations of a Palestinian state.
In the current political climate, where many Jordanians already view their government’s approach as overly conciliatory towards Israel, the king finds himself in a precarious position. Jordan’s dependency on Western aid adds another layer of complexity, as Ratka points out. He emphasizes that Europe must consider whether it wishes to place the king in a dilemma between accepting Western assistance and managing the politically sensitive task of communicating potential population transfers to his citizens.
Despite being regarded as a reliable ally of the West, Jordan operates as an autocracy, where press conferences with the king are rare. It is therefore noteworthy that King Abdullah is willing to speak publicly during his meeting with Steinmeier. This gesture signifies Jordan’s need for European support, prompting the king to momentarily set aside his reservations about press freedom.
The issue of relocating Palestinians from Gaza starkly contradicts international law, which firmly opposes such actions.
Addressing Islamophobia in Germany
Following discussions with the king, Steinmeier expresses optimism about a potential end to military conflicts in both Saudi Arabia and Jordan. However, he stands firm in his belief that any solution that violates international law is unacceptable. Yet, he encounters pushback from his counterparts.
In all three countries he visits, concerns about rising Islamophobia in Germany are voiced. This sentiment is echoed during his third stop in Ankara, where he meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In a concluding press statement, Steinmeier acknowledges the unfortunate rise of xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia in Europe, which is causing unease within the Turkish community.
Nevertheless, during their dialogue, other pressing issues likely take precedence. They discuss the prospects for a peaceful resolution in neighboring Syria and revisit the topic of Gaza relocation. However, Erdogan refrains from addressing this issue in his public remarks, perhaps reserving his comments for a private conversation with Trump.