In the world of politics, it is not uncommon for leaders to make promises and then backtrack on them once they come into power. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case with President Joe Biden and his approach to the Middle East. While on the campaign trail, Biden promised to take a different approach to the region, one that would prioritize human rights and democracy. However, his recent actions suggest otherwise.
Biden’s plan to cozy up to Arab dictators is a page straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook. But what makes it even worse is that it involves getting in bed with one of the most notorious authoritarian regimes in the world – Saudi Arabia.
It is no secret that the Trump administration had a close relationship with Saudi Arabia. Despite the kingdom’s long history of human rights abuses and its involvement in the devastating war in Yemen, Trump turned a blind eye and even went as far as to sell them billions of dollars worth of weapons. This cozy relationship was a clear indication of Trump’s disregard for human rights and his prioritization of financial gain over moral values.
Many had hoped that with the change in administration, the US would take a different stance towards Saudi Arabia. However, Biden’s recent actions have shattered those hopes. In February, the Biden administration released a declassified intelligence report that implicated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The report stated that the crown prince approved the operation to “capture or kill” Khashoggi, who was a vocal critic of the Saudi regime. This revelation should have been a turning point in the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, but instead, Biden chose to take a weak and ineffective approach.
Rather than imposing sanctions or holding the crown prince accountable for his actions, Biden opted for a “recalibration” of the relationship. This essentially means that the US will continue to do business with Saudi Arabia and turn a blind eye to their human rights abuses. This decision is not only disappointing, but it also shows a lack of moral leadership on the part of the Biden administration.
But why is Biden so keen on maintaining a close relationship with Saudi Arabia? The answer lies in his administration’s approach to Israel. It is no secret that the US has always had a strong alliance with Israel, and Biden is no exception. However, his approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict is concerning. Biden has made it clear that he will not reverse Trump’s decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, a move that was widely condemned by the international community. He has also stated that he will not put any pressure on Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian land.
So, what does this have to do with Saudi Arabia? Well, it’s all about politics and money. Saudi Arabia and Israel have been quietly building a relationship over the years, despite their public animosity towards each other. Both countries share a common enemy in Iran, and they have found common ground in their opposition to the Palestinian cause. Saudi Arabia sees Israel as a strategic ally in the region, and they have been working towards normalizing relations between the two countries. By cozying up to Saudi Arabia, Biden is essentially trying to gain favor with Israel.
But at what cost? By turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses and cozying up to an authoritarian regime, Biden is sending a dangerous message to the rest of the world. He is essentially saying that the US will prioritize its own interests over human rights and democracy. This is a far cry from the promises he made on the campaign trail.
Moreover, by aligning himself with Saudi Arabia, Biden is also undermining the US’s credibility in the region. The US has always positioned itself as a champion of democracy and human rights, but by maintaining a close relationship with Saudi Arabia, a country that has a long history of suppressing dissent and violating human rights, the US is losing its moral authority.
In conclusion, Biden’s plan to cozy up to Arab dictators, particularly Saudi Arabia, is a major disappointment. It not only goes against his promises of prioritizing human rights and democracy, but it also undermines the US’s credibility in the region. By continuing to do business with Saudi Arabia and turning a blind eye to their human rights abuses, Biden is essentially following in Trump’s footsteps. It’s time for the US to take a principled stance and hold its allies accountable for their actions. Only then can the US truly be a leader in promoting democracy and human rights
