Arab Leaders Can't Buy Security from Washington

posted on: Nov 19, 2025

By: Ghassan Rubeiz / Arab America Contributing Writer

Arab leaders, facing persistent insecurity at home, continue to look outward for protection. They have lately been flocking to Washington, seeking assurances of security and prosperity. Over the past two months, President Trump has met with a series of Arab leaders and dignitaries: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Sharm El Sheikh on October 13 to mark the signing of a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire; Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa on November 10; and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18. The list could go on, but the pattern is clear: the Trump administration, eager to expand its arms sales and strategic interests, is offering political cover and promises of peace — though more in the form of pacification than conflict resolution.

This week, reports surfaced that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to purchase 48 fighter jets from the US at a staggering cost, despite the lack of any clear strategic need for such advanced weaponry in Saudi Arabia, not to mention the infrastructure or expertise to operate it effectively.

The irony is that Arab states are turning to an American administration that is itself mired in domestic and international chaos. And their overtures to Washington often ignore the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel, even as that support undermines Palestinian aspirations and regional trust.

Beyond the financial burden, the diplomatic cost is steep. President Trump continues to push for Saudi-Israeli normalization, despite the Crown Prince’s stated refusal to engage while Netanyahu’s government resists dialogue on Palestinian statehood. The Crown Prince knows that the Arab public would reject any deal perceived as abandoning Palestine, especially given Israel’s ongoing human rights abuses. In the meantime, Israel has effectively split Gaza into two zones, one under its direct control and another ruled by Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces are reportedly arming tribal factions opposed to Hamas, aiming to dismantle the movement from within.

In the long term, this strategy puts the future of the Arab states at risk. If Arab leaders hesitate to come closer to Israel for obvious political reasons, why would they want to entrust their economic fortunes, military strategy, security and self-determination to Israel’s main partner in regional disruption?

The true foundation of Arab stability lies not in foreign capitals, but in Arab citizens. Arab leaders must recognize that true security cannot be bought or outsourced. It must be fostered at home through inclusive governance, social investment, and regional cooperation. The path forward lies not in Washington’s promises, but in the empowerment of their own people: investment in education, human rights, youth employment, gender equality, and economic systems that build human capital and distribute wealth more equitably.

Ghassan Rubeiz is the former Middle East Secretary of the World Council of Churches. Earlier, he taught psychology and social work in his country of birth, Lebanon, and later in the United States, where he currently lives. He has contributed to political commentary for the past twenty years and has delivered occasional public talks on peace, justice, and interfaith topics. You can reach him at rubeizg@gmail.com

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Arab America. The reproduction of this article is permissible with proper credit to Arab America and the author.

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