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In June, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia. Then in July, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also traveled to the kingdom. These visits from top Biden administration officials come as disagreements between the countries deepen over oil, security and human rights.
The U.S.-Saudi alliance has navigated numerous challenges over the decades. Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan explains why it’s so important to both countries to repair the strained relationship.
An excerpt from Peter’s Aug. 3 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:
Saudi Arabia matters to the U.S. more than many other U.S. allies. Not only are the Saudis massive oil exporters, but they also have strong ties to the world’s Muslim population.
Over the past few decades, the U.S. and the Saudis have partnered up to tackle a handful of critical situations; from stalling the Soviets to the war in Afghanistan to spurring economic growth in Europe and Japan, this relationship has proven vital.
The bottom line is with major players like Russia and China already in motion, the U.S. and Saudis won’t allow ugly politics to get in the way of geopolitical relations. Saudi Arabia is a power center and doesn’t need to be under the American wing, but there’s still a mutually beneficial relationship on the table.
