After proclaiming over 16 months the disengagement of the United States from West Asia, U.S. President Joe Biden made his first trip to the region on July 13-16 since taking office. The tour covered Israel, a quick encounter with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and then a halt in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a bilateral engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and a joint meeting with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and those from Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.
Since the visit involved the high-profile rehabilitation of the Saudi crown prince whom Mr. Biden had reviled earlier, in a recent OpEd, Mr. Biden addressed his critics: he asserted that his intention during the visit to Saudi Arabia was to “reorient — but not rupture — relations” with the country. He noted in this context the kingdom’s role in promoting GCC unity, peace in Yemen, and stability in the oil markets. Mr. Biden also spoke of the need for the U.S. to “counter Russia’s aggression” and “outcompete China” — and recognised Saudi Arabia’s central contribution in achieving these goals.
Not surprisingly, his critics were not mollified. A recent editorial in the U.S. media described the visit as a “low point” for the President and “one he won’t soon live down”. Shadi Hamid of Brookings called the visit a “major setback for American interests”.
