Introduction

The world of international politics is complex and ever-changing, with alliances and relationships between nations shifting like the sands of the desert. One such relationship that has garnered significant attention in recent years is that between the United States and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the White House. This visit, scheduled for Tuesday, marks the first time the Saudi Prince has set foot in the White House since 2018, a year that was marred by controversy following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. The return of MBS to Washington's embrace raises important questions about the nature of their relationship, the factors driving this rapprochement, and the implications for global politics and human rights.

Background: The Controversy Surrounding Jamal Khashoggi's Killing

The murder of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 sent shockwaves around the globe, leading to widespread condemnation of Saudi Arabia and calls for accountability. Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and critic of the Saudi government, was killed and dismembered by Saudi agents inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. The incident led to a significant deterioration in relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, with many in Washington, including members of Congress, urging the administration to take a firmer stance against the kingdom. The CIA concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing, a claim that the Saudi government has consistently denied. Despite this, the event marked a low point in U.S.-Saudi relations, with MBS facing international isolation and criticism.

The Path to Reconciliation: Strategic Interests and Realpolitik

The scheduled visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House after a five-year hiatus signals a significant shift in the U.S.-Saudi relationship, driven largely by strategic interests and the realities of global geopolitics. The Biden administration, like its predecessors, recognizes the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key player in the Middle East, both in terms of oil production and as a counterbalance to the influence of Iran. The visit underscores the pragmatic approach that nations often adopt in their foreign policy, where strategic interests can outweigh human rights concerns and moral objections. This realpolitik approach is not unique to the U.S.-Saudi relationship but reflects a broader trend in international relations, where nations often find themselves navigating complex webs of interest and morality.

The reconciliation is also driven by the evolving landscape of the Middle East, where the threat posed by Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the ongoing war in Yemen require cooperation among regional and global powers. Saudi Arabia's role in the OPEC+ agreement and its potential to influence oil prices, which have significant implications for the global economy, further solidifies its position as a crucial partner for the United States. Additionally, the U.S. seeks to bolster its alliances in the face of rising global competitors, including China, which has been expanding its influence in the Middle East through its Belt and Road Initiative.

Implications and Criticisms: Human Rights and the Future of U.S.-Saudi Relations

The decision to welcome Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman back to the White House has been met with criticism from human rights groups and some lawmakers, who argue that the visit represents a betrayal of American values and a failure to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its human rights record. The killing of Jamal Khashoggi and the ongoing crackdown on dissent within Saudi Arabia are cited as examples of the kingdom's egregious human rights abuses. Critics argue that by embracing MBS, the U.S. is essentially giving him a free pass, undermining efforts to promote human rights and democracy around the world.

Moreover, the visit raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, given the Kingdom's internal dynamics and its path towards reform. The Saudi Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and reducing its dependence on oil, is seen as a positive step towards modernization. However, the implementation of these reforms and the kingdom's commitment to human rights will be crucial in determining the nature of its relationship with the U.S. and other Western countries.

The visit also comes at a time when there is growing debate within the U.S. about the role of Saudi Arabia in regional conflicts, particularly in Yemen, where a devastating war has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering. The U.S. support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has been controversial, with many arguing that it has exacerbated the crisis. The Biden administration's decision to end support for offensive operations in Yemen was seen as a step towards reevaluating the U.S. role in the conflict, but the visit of MBS may signal a return to a more cooperative stance on regional security issues.

Conclusion

The return of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington's embrace is a significant development in international relations, reflecting the complex interplay of strategic interests, realpolitik, and moral considerations. While the visit marks a new chapter in U.S.-Saudi relations, it also underscores the challenges of balancing geopolitical interests with human rights concerns. As the world navigates the intricacies of the 21st century, the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia will remain a critical factor in shaping the Middle East's future and beyond. The path forward will require careful consideration of the implications of this rapprochement, both for the region and for the global community, as nations strive to promote stability, security, and human dignity in a rapidly changing world.