President Barack Obama, who served from 2009-2017 as the 44th President of the United States, recently made a historic visit to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, making him the first sitting US president to meet with the Saudi royal family since April 1981.
During his two-day stop in Riyadh, Obama was warmly received by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, holding several meetings with the leaders in preparation for the upcoming 2016 Gulf Cooperation Council summit hosted by the kingdom.
The Obama administration characterized it as “a historic opportunity for the President to reaffirm his deep commitment to the US-Saudi strategic partnership,” referring to the strong ties the United States and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed through the years.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the impact of this meeting on the Saudi-US relationship. According to Milad Jokar, a professor of international relations at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the meeting has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the two countries. He explains that the US-Saudi relationship has been strained since the Arab Spring of 2011, when it became clear that the US and Saudi Arabia had opposing views on how to handle the political unrest in the Middle East.
And given the US’ reluctance to use military force in the region, in contrast to the kingdom’s more aggressive approach, it’s not surprising that Saudi Arabia has been looking to other countries, particularly Russia and China, to fill the gap in relations.
Youssef Al-Qaradawi, the president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, believes that the Obama meeting was unlikely to change the dynamics of the US-Saudi relationship, but at the same time he acknowledges that it was important for the president to have clear communication with the kingdom and to listen to and understand its perspectives and goals.
An official spokesman for the royal family released a statement in response to the meeting, expressing the “deep appreciation and respect” of the Saudi government for the visit and noting the strong ties between the two countries.
The Effects of the Meeting
While the effects of the meeting between President Obama and the royal family are difficult to predict, it is clear that the encounter has opened a new chapter in the US-Saudi relationship. In an apparent effort to dispel any doubts about the importance of their alliance, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir recently remarked that the US-Saudi relationship “never has been and never will be” just by a single president or leader.
Separately, the kingdom has taken steps to further solidify the relationship by allocating billions of dollars in investments towards US-based infrastructure projects, military equipment and energy initiatives. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is now actively supporting US-backed negotiations for a resolution to the conflict in Syria, and it has committed to join in a broad coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
“The Americans understand that the Saudis are key to achieving stability in the region, and that any US strategy for the region has to factor in the Saudis’ interests,” Jokar said. “The Americans need the Saudis as much as the Saudis need the Americans.”
The Future of US-Saudi Relations
Experts have offered mixed opinions about the future of US-Saudi relations, but most agree that the Obama-Saudi Arabia meeting was an important milestone in renewing the alliance. Many also note that there are still areas in which both countries need to agree, such as the need for greater regional stability, as well as decisions on how to coordinate military and economic activity in the volatile Middle East.
Overall, President Obama’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s royal family is widely seen as both symbolic and significant. It is a reminder that despite their differences over the years, the US and Saudi Arabia are still key allies in the region and have a mutual interest in promoting stability and security. As former US secretary of defense Robert Gates said, “you don’t make agreements with your friends, you make them with your enemies, so it is important to have strong allies.”
US Support of Saudi Arabia
The US has long played a critical role in supporting Saudi Arabia both diplomatically and militarily, most notably by providing the kingdom with weapons and military training. The US has also played a key role in mediating peace talks with opposing countries, such as in the Yemen conflict and the Iran nuclear agreement. In addition, US aircraft carriers have been used to patrol the Gulf and the Red Sea to ensure the security of shipping lanes and regional stability.
In recent years, further evidence of the US-Saudi alliance has been seen in the 2016 memorandum of understanding between the two countries that commits the US to providing nearly $115 billion in arms sales to the kingdom. This agreement, which is the largest in US history, is seen as a sign of American commitment to not only the security of the kingdom, but also to the safety of the entire region.
The US-Saudi alliance is further strengthened by the high-level diplomatic visits that occur between the two countries. Earlier this year, for instance, Vice President Mike Pence made a visit to Riyadh and met with King Salman, reinforcing the commitment of the two countries to the security and prosperity of the region.
Significance to the Middle East
The United States and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing partnership largely centered on regional security. Their strong alliance is a key factor in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. It is also an important economic partnership: Saudi Arabia is the largest oil exporter in the world, and the US is the largest consumer of oil.
It is no surprise, then, that the Obama-Saudi meeting was historic and momentous. It not only marked a step forward in the US-Saudi relationship, but it also spoke to the lasting importance of the alliance between the two countries and their collective role in promoting stability in the Middle East.
The US-Saudi partnership is a powerful example of diplomatic engagement in the region. As diplomatic ties strengthen, the two countries will continue to work together to promote regional security and maintain peace and stability in the region.
Future US-Saudi Plans
Although the future of US-Saudi relations is difficult to predict, both countries are committed to strengthening ties and promoting stability in the Middle East. The US has pledged support for the kingdom’s efforts to combat terrorism, while Saudi Arabia has promised to remain an active partner in the fight against the Islamic State. The two countries have also formed a joint economic council and are working to promote economic development in the region as well as create jobs and stimulate investments.
The Obama-Saudi meeting has opened the door to a new era in the US-Saudi relationship. The two countries will continue to work together to promote regional stability and find ways to tackle the many security and economic challenges in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s young and dynamic leadership, coupled with the US commitment to their alliance, offer great potential for a stronger, more prosperous future for the Middle East. With the continued support of the US and the strong partnership between the two countries, the region is well-positioned to not only survive, but also to thrive.
