Trump considering summit with Arab allies in US

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering bringing leaders from Arab allies together in Washington for a summit to discuss regional issues, including growing tensions over a dispute with Qatar.

The possible gathering, would reportedly include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Libya and the Maldives.

The countries led by Saudi Arabia, cut off diplomatic contact with Qatar earlier this month, after officially accusing it of “sponsoring terrorism.” Qatar has denied the allegations.

Trump would also renew calls for his Arab allies to confront the “crisis of Islamic extremism,” during the summit which is being discussed, Fox News has learned.

“It’s a Camp David moment,” the newspaper quoted a senior US official as saying on condition of anonymity. “We’ve seen nothing like this in 40 years, and now the president wants to follow through.”

“The president now wants to bring all the key players to Washington,” the official said. “They need to disavow groups like the [Muslim] Brotherhood for the stability of the Middle East at large.”

The official also told the newspaper that that Trump is interested in behavior modification, and “not just Qatar’s.”

In addition to the Qatar dispute, the possible summit would be also a move to restore American alliances weakened during the administration of former President Barack Obama, an expert said.

SS