Saudi Arabia’s Reversal of Fortune | The New York Sun

Summary of Saudi Arabia's Reversal of Fortune

This article discusses the shifting relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States under different presidential administrations. It highlights the contrasting approaches of Presidents Trump and Biden towards Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Saudi Arabia.

Key Points

• President Trump cultivated a strong relationship with MBS, resulting in significant arms deals and increased diplomatic engagement.
• President Biden initially adopted a more critical stance towards Saudi Arabia, emphasizing human rights concerns and aiming for a “value-based” foreign policy.
• The article suggests that Saudi Arabia's improved standing under Trump is partly due to a shift in Washington's power dynamics and a return to prioritizing transactional relationships.
• The possibility of a Trump-brokered deal to resolve the war in Ukraine is discussed, suggesting the Saudis' strategic importance in international diplomacy.
• The article concludes by speculating about the potential for closer Saudi-Israeli relations and the ultimate implications for US foreign policy.

Crucial Details

The article mentions a secret 2023 Beijing-brokered deal that prevented Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. It also references reports of Saudi Arabia supporting a Syrian-Israeli peace deal. The article emphasizes Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil dependence and the potential for increased cooperation with the US in various areas, including maintaining open global sea lanes. It concludes by noting that despite some challenges, Saudi Arabia still considers Washington a top ally. The article also mentions Karen Elliot House's upcoming book on MBS.