The US-Saudi summit highlighted once again the hopes that depend on Barack Obama. Ever since he was elected, he has shown indications of how much his method differs from that of his predecessor George Bush. He said that his approach of international affairs will be different, and stressed on dialogue, involvement, and the extended hand. He wanted to stay away from dividing the world into two parts. He changed the rhetoric with which to address enemies, allies, and friends. Obama was aware from the moment he was elected that Bush's approach in dealing with the September 11 attacks sometimes achieved the opposite of what it aimed for. He was aware of the danger of slipping into a climate of confrontation with the entire Islamic world, and that some of the stages of the “war on terror” contributed in reviving the terror-friendly climate. Hence, he was keen on addressing himself to the Islamic world with the logic of one who opens the door to a different relation. There is no doubt that Obama's appearance contributed in changing America's image for many. Obama's style stirred many hopes, especially because this president comes from outside the traditional club, with his multiple religious and cultural roots and skin color. Putting so many hopes on a man who inherited a heavy burden threatens to rapidly drain the man. Obama inherited a country hanging between two extremely costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, an open confrontation with terrorism, and a difficult file with Iran. He also inherited the file of the injustice perpetrated against the Palestinians, which is a permanent problem in the relations between the US and Arabs and Muslims. After taking office, Obama was subjected to a draining operation which was natural for his enemies to launch on the domestic level. He was also subjected to a draining operation by the Israeli government that adopted provocative policies that were both extremist and dim-witted. Hence, Obama had to fight on various fronts both on the domestic and foreign level in order to maintain the trust in his promises. It is in this context that the US-Saudi summit was held in the White House. Saudi Arabia is aware of the importance of the relation with America as a superpower without whose active contribution in dealing with crises, finding solutions, and providing guarantees, peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved. America is aware of Saudi Arabia's importance, which is composed of its oil wealth and the special place it holds in the Arab and Islamic worlds, as well as King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz's courage in enshrining the option of reform, dialogue, and moderation. Indeed, Saudi Arabia's choice in the region is one of dialogue, stability, prosperity, reconciliation, and coexistence. It is only in this context that the Saudi momentum in the Arab peace initiative can be interpreted. The Saudi-American summit was held in extremely sensitive circumstances. There is an urgent need to restore hopes with the two-state solution in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict despite Netanyahu's daily attempts to kill it. There is also an urgent need for an American role that revives the hopes of Arabs in a just and comprehensive peace. Moreover, the need is urgent for the establishment of a stable Iraq that would accommodate all its constituents and that is able to face the deadline of the US pullout. This is not to mention the urgent need for a responsible manner of dealing with the escalating conflict related to Iran's nuclear ambitions and its regional role. The Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines was keen on renewing the trust in the US President. He said that Obama “is respected around the world as an honorable man”. His words not only implied respect, but also encouragement on fulfilling promises. King Abdul Aziz was thus replying to Obama's words that kept the window of hope open to his administration's involvement in a more active role in achieving peace and stability.
