Joe Biden’s first Middle East trip as President of the United States and his decision to go to Saudi Arabia come at a crucial time for the region. During the visit, the American leader focused on the issues of energy policy and security – specifically as it pertains to Iran.
Relatedly, Biden participated in a Riyadh summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council that include Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.
From a foreign policy standpoint, Washington’s goal over the coming weeks and months is to strengthen the American-Saudi strategic partnership.
Will new normalization deals with Israel be announced? Will Biden soften his position towards Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)? Will the kingdom’s human rights violations be discussed? How will the Commander-in-Chief’s visit impact the Israel-Palestinian issue in particular and US Middle East policy generally?
Aaron David Miller and Abdel Aziz al-Khamis analyzed the possible implications of Biden’s visit for the US, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the region.
Photo Credits to flickr.
