Trump Pressured to Choose Between Saudi Arabia and UAE Allies

U.S. President Donald Trump is caught between two key Middle East allies, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He faces direct pressure from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The pressure concerns the foreign policy strategies of the UAE. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants President Trump to oppose the UAE's support for separatist movements. This is happening in two conflict zones: Sudan and, more urgently, in Yemen. In Yemen, the UAE backs southern separatists, while Saudi Arabia leads the official coalition supporting the recognized government. The situation puts President Trump in a difficult position. He must balance relations with both powerful Gulf nations, who are otherwise close partners.