Experts discuss impact of US elections on the Middle East

A panel of seasoned journalists and political scientists yesterday tackled some of the issues, possible impacts and results of the upcoming US presidential elections on foreign relations with the Middle East including Qatar.
At a forum organised by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Qatar, the three panellists shared their insights on remarks made by Democrats and Republican candidates on the ongoing campaigns.
“In terms of the rhetoric that has been coming out of the presidential race, clearly Qatar and the Middle East has been paying attention to some of the negative rhetoric, it concerns about Islam and Muslim Americans and Muslims in general,” said Northwestern University in Qatar’s (NU-Q) Liberal Arts assistant professor Jocelyn Mitchell.
She was joined by Georgetown School of Foreign Service in Qatar’s Political Science professor Clyde Wilcox and Al Jazeera English producer and documentary filmmaker Yasir Khan at the debate moderated by NU-Q Dean and CEO Everette E Dennis.
Citing some of Donald Trump’s negative comments on Muslims, Mitchell observed that Arabs have been keeping an eye on the campaign saying they do care about the outcome of the elections.
“They really focus on these negative, faulty remarks but not so much,” she said.
About the war against IS, she believes that rich countries in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia should be putting their wealth and resources into the fight against the terrorist group.
According to Mitchell, the US is ready to fully support its allies in the region but the latter should lead and take the fight against IS.
The panellists also reviewed media coverage of the US election campaign, providing some analysis on “what is behind the headlines.”   
“We wanted to bring some of the spirit of political debate to the AmCham event here today and we definitely succeeded,” Dennis said in a press statement.
“Ultimately, it is important to determine what can make a difference for US citizens, those living abroad, as well as our relations with our international partners,” he added.
AmCham Qatar has been closely following the updates of the ongoing US election campaign cycle and its potential impact on businesses in the US and Qatar, according to its chairman Robert A Hager.
“We are here to support American businesses in Qatar and those interested in doing business in the US,” he added.
A joint effort between the US embassy in Doha and AmCham Qatar, the forum is part of Discover America Week Qatar 2016 which celebrates the US-Qatar partnership taking place from February 15 to 22 in various venues in the country.
The celebration will also host a variety of activities and events. These include a seminar on Doing Business in the US today organised with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, and AmCham Qatar’s Fifth annual golf tournament on February 22.