Joseph Bahout
{
"authors": [
"Joseph Bahout"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
],
"collections": [
"Arab Awakening"
],
"englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "MEP",
"programs": [
"Middle East"
],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"Middle East",
"Saudi Arabia",
"Western Europe",
"France",
"Gulf"
],
"topics": [
"Political Reform",
"Foreign Policy"
]
}Source: Getty
French Relations with Saudi Arabia
France and Saudi Arabia have agreements on a number of issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program, but France has several concerns about the way Saudi Arabia is positioning itself toward the Arab Spring.
Source: Radio France International
Speaking on Radio France International, Carnegie’s Joseph Bahout explained that historically, France’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has been strong on economic grounds. France and Saudi Arabia have agreements on a number of issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program and the departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power, Bahout said. However, France has several concerns about the way Saudi Arabia is positioning itself toward the Arab Spring in general, he argued, and with Islamist movements in particular.
This interview originally aired on Radio France International.
About the Author
Former Nonresident Fellow, Middle East Program
Joseph Bahout was a nonresident fellow in Carnegie’s Middle East Program. His research focuses on political developments in Lebanon and Syria, regional spillover from the Syrian crisis, and identity politics across the region.
- In Between Life and DeathCommentary
- Donald Trump Has Announced a U.S. Withdrawal From Northeastern SyriaCommentary
Joseph Bahout
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Southeast Asia’s Agency Amid the New Oil CrisisCommentary
There is no better time for the countries of Southeast Asia to reconsider their energy security than during this latest crisis.
Gita Wirjawan
- Fuel Crisis Forces Politically Perilous Trade-Offs in IndonesiaCommentary
As conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel costs across Asia, Indonesia faces difficult policy trade-offs over subsidies, inflation, and fiscal credibility. President Prabowo’s personalized governance style may make these hard choices even harder to navigate.
Sana Jaffrey
- Europe Doesn’t Like War—for Good ReasonsCommentary
The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are existential threats to Europe as a peace project. Leaders and citizens alike must reaffirm their solidarity to face up to today’s multifaceted challenges.
Marc Pierini
- In Its Iran War Debate, Washington Has Lost the Plot in AsiaCommentary
The United States ignores the region’s lived experience—and the tough political and social trade-offs the war has produced—at its peril.
Evan A. Feigenbaum
- The Iran War Is Uncovering the Weakness in U.S.-Gulf TiesCommentary
Neither the Abraham Accords nor the presence of large U.S. bases are enough to protect Arab Gulf states.
Marwan Muasher