The fact is that the United States, (Biden) for many reasons, must maintain an efficient and beneficial relationship with someone who will rule for decades to come in a country that prides itself on global energy pricing, deterring Iran in the region, thwarting terrorism, and spreading peace if it so chooses. The Middle East has a role to play.
The Biden administration feels differently about the Middle East than other former US presidents. His administration has made it clear that it will suspend US involvement in Saudi military operations in the Yemeni war, and the issue of human rights is central to Biden’s approach. The fact that Biden did not contact Muhammad bin Salman directly, but directly with the sick King Salman, indicates Biden’s desire to separate US-Saudi relations from the Saudi Crown Prince.
But such a separation is probably impossible to sustain. After the death of King Salman, the United States is not in a position to prevent the Crown Prince from reaching the throne. Any attempt in this direction will almost certainly fail, leading to a nationalist backlash or internal instability, or both. The fact is that the United States, for many reasons, must maintain an efficient and useful relationship with someone who will rule for decades to come in a country that is prone to global energy pricing, deterring Iran in the region, defeating terrorism, and spreading peace if it so chooses. The Middle East has a role to play.
In the case of Muhammad ibn Salman, such a realistic view could be opportunistic. Joe Biden’s promise to meet with government officials must be conditional on his firm commitment never to target a political opponent in this way in the future and to release imprisoned human rights activists.
Perhaps bringing Saudi Arabia into the arena of diplomacy will also make possible a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UAE has agreed to normalize relations with Israel only for at least the next three years, provided Israel agrees not to annex the occupied Palestinian territories.
Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly ready to build a bridge to Israel, but his father is unprepared, and a large section of the Saudi population is likely to resist. Even a government in Israel that is committed to expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied territories will face resistance in order to exchange these settlements for peace and diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
It will take a long time for Muhammad bin Salman, who is now publicly exposed and disgraced, to be invited to the United States, let alone to enter the Oval Office – the president’s office. But the solution is not to refuse to interact with him. Having a pragmatic and conditional relationship with him can bring security and freedom to many Saudis, and even an opportunity to work together to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, extinguish the flames of the Yemeni war, and advance the prospect of peace between Israel and Palestine. Be. None of this brings Khashoggi back to life but gives more meaning to his death.
