Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud is visiting the United States, reportedly to discuss President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia. This visit comes on the heels of Trump’s recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting a pattern of engagement with controversial leaders in the Middle East. Critics argue that this approach undermines American national interests.
The relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia has been complicated. Past presidents have faced scrutiny for their connections with the Saudi regime. For instance, after the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush allowed prominent Saudis to leave the U.S. without questioning their ties to Islamist groups. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama faced backlash for supporting Saudi Arabia’s military actions in Yemen, even while negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran.
President Joe Biden initially aimed to isolate Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, labeling him a “pariah” due to human rights abuses. However, Biden’s approach shifted when he sought increased oil production from the Saudis, a request that was reportedly dismissed. In a controversial move, Biden even suggested a military partnership that would position U.S. forces as protectors of the Saudi royal family, despite the kingdom’s notorious human rights record.
Trump’s first term saw a deepening of ties with Saudi Arabia. He made the kingdom his first foreign stop as president and was notably charmed by the Saudi leadership, including a ceremonial “Sword Dance.” His administration intensified support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen and shielded the crown prince from accountability following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
As Trump prepares for his second term, he is expected to continue this trend, potentially escalating military actions in the region. The ongoing conflict in Yemen and tensions with Iran remain critical issues. Critics point out that the Saudi regime, known for its poor human rights record, has been a source of embarrassment for the U.S., yet it continues to receive diplomatic honors from American leaders.
Human rights organizations have condemned Saudi Arabia for its severe restrictions on political rights and civil liberties. Freedom House ranks the kingdom as one of the worst human rights violators globally. Reports indicate that the Saudi government employs extensive surveillance, punishes dissent, and discriminates against women and religious minorities.
Despite these issues, Saudi Arabia has successfully improved its international image through strategic investments and public relations efforts. The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund has poured money into global sports and entertainment, often overshadowing its human rights abuses.
The U.S. government has faced criticism for its ongoing support of Saudi Arabia, with some arguing that American interests are not aligned with those of the Saudi ruling class. The Saudi regime’s focus on its own survival and wealth has often come at the expense of broader regional stability and American values.
As the Biden administration and Trump’s team prepare for their respective engagements with Saudi Arabia, the question remains whether the U.S. will continue to prioritize strategic interests over human rights concerns. The upcoming meetings could set the tone for future relations, but many believe that a shift in approach is necessary to align U.S. foreign policy with its stated values.