Saudi Crown Prince's influence grows in U.S.-Israel relations amid Middle East peace efforts; Tunisia grapples with youth exodus over bleak prospects.
Starting with Middle East dynamics, Fareed Zakaria addressed the limited influence of future U.S. presidents on Israel’s actions, emphasizing the role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who might hold more sway over Israel due to normalization talks.
Meanwhile, King Felipe VI of Spain, during his visit to Jordan, echoed the urgency for peace by calling for an end to the Gaza conflict and promoting economic cooperation, suggesting a diplomatic path for lasting peace in the region.
Shifting focus to North Africa, Tunisia faces a youth exodus fueled by discontent with political and economic prospects, with alarming numbers indicating 70% of young Tunisians are considering emigration amid high unemployment and fears of governmental repression.
Turning to Lebanon, uncertainty clouds Hezbollah's leadership as communication with key figure Hashem Safieddine reportedly ceased following Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, and the situation remains tense with conflicting reports on the state of the leadership.
Back in the U.S.,
Donald Trump held a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, highlighting community resilience and aiming to energize his electoral base with increased security and high-profile attendees, amidst a tight election race against Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Lastly, in a move towards climate action, Saudi Arabia announced significant developments including a hydrogen hub and a large-scale carbon capture initiative, reflecting its commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.