In an article he published in advance of U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia in July 2022, Faisal ‘Abbas, editor of the English-language Saudi daily Arab News, writes that Biden’s visit does not represent a “reorientation” of U.S.-Saudi relations, but rather a return to the norm.
‘Abbas notes that Biden himself stated, in an article he published recently in the Washington Post, that his past criticism of Saudi Arabia was never meant to "rupture" the relations between the two countries. This, says 'Abbas, is obvious – since "who in their right mind would want to rupture a strategic relationship with a country of the size and importance of Saudi Arabia?" 'Abbas adds, however, that the relations between the countries do not require "reorientation," either, since Saudi Arabia has for decades been an invaluable partner for the U.S., helping to combat terrorism, maintain stability in the region, and generate prosperity in global markets. The one who recently deviated from this norm is the U.S., he says, by taking measures such as delisting the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis as terrorists and withdrawing American military systems from the kingdom at a time when Saudi civilians and oil infrastructures were under attack.
'Abbas also takes issue with Biden’s claim that Saudi Arabia enjoyed a "blank-check policy" from the previous U.S. administration. He states that human-rights issues have always come up in discussions with U.S. administrations, and that the criticism was welcomed when it was justified and rejected when it was not. Moreover, even officials from Biden’s own administration have praised some of Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms, he notes.
'Abbas concludes by stating that, “at a time of great opportunity… as well as daunting global political, security, health and nutrition challenges, the Riyadh-Washington relationship is as important as ever for the peace, stability and prosperity of the whole planet."
(full article online)
https://www.memri.org/reports/editor-saudi-daily-biden’s-saudi-visit-return-norm-cooperation-between-countries-it-us
