Biden Administration’s Diplomatic Gambit: A Closer Look at U.S. Discussions on a Defense Treaty with Saudi Arabia

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In recent diplomatic news, the United States is in discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding a potential mutual defense treaty that would resemble military pacts the U.S. has with Japan and South Korea. The move is seen as a strategic attempt by the Biden administration to encourage Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel. Under the proposed agreement, both countries would pledge military support to each other in case of an attack in the region or on Saudi territory.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, considers a mutual defense agreement with the U.S. as a crucial element in his negotiations with the Biden administration concerning Israel. The primary focus of these discussions is to deter potential threats from Iran or its allied groups, while concurrently working towards strengthening diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. However, the prospect of such an agreement has raised concerns among some U.S. lawmakers, who perceive Saudi Arabia and Prince Mohammed as unreliable partners who may not prioritize U.S. interests or human rights.

Critics of the potential treaty question whether it aligns with President Biden’s goal of reducing American military presence in the Middle East. The discussions with Saudi Arabia align with a broader diplomatic effort aimed at encouraging normalization of relations between the kingdom and Israel. Such a step could have significant geopolitical implications, potentially pulling Saudi Arabia away from China’s influence in the Middle East. While Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has described the normalization of relations between the two countries as a potentially transformative event, the path to an agreement is expected to be challenging and far from assured.

In light of the U.S. involvement in Saudi Arabia’s past conflicts, including the war in Yemen, some lawmakers have expressed reservations about approving a defense agreement. These concerns stem from a history of Saudi-led military campaigns using American weapons that have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Additionally, reports of human rights abuses by Saudi border forces have further complicated the negotiations.

Despite potential obstacles, the Biden administration sees a U.S.-Saudi defense treaty as a means to promote stability in the region and advance broader diplomatic objectives. As discussions continue, the administration seeks to navigate complex political dynamics both domestically and internationally to secure a potential agreement that could reshape Middle Eastern alliances.