Biden Greets Saudi Crown Prince with Warm Handshake, Reversing Earlier Stance

Biden greeted Saudi Crown Prince MBS at G20 summit with warm handshake, after previously criticizing him as a "pariah" for human rights abuses.
In 2021, US intelligence found MBS ordered killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During campaign, Biden vowed to make Saudis "pay the price."
But Biden fist-bumped MBS in 2022, seeking oil production increase amid high gas prices. Critics accused Biden of conciliating with MBS.
In December 2022, federal judge dismissed lawsuit against MBS by Khashoggi's fiancée after Biden administration argued for sovereign immunity.
Meeting shows Biden easing pressure on Saudi Arabia and MBS despite human rights concerns.

nypost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

7/28/2023

Biden dispatches top adviser for talks with Saudi crown prince

Main Topic: President Joe Biden's push for normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Key Points: 1. National security adviser Jake Sullivan dispatched to Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 2. Talks covered initiatives for a more peaceful Middle East, efforts to end the conflict in Yemen, and hopes to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. 3. Brokering a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia is challenging due to the kingdom's stance on recognizing Israel and concerns over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

9/7/2023

Biden heads to the G20 looking to make the most of Xi and Putin's absence

President Joe Biden arrives in New Delhi for the G20 Summit, aiming to counter Russian and Chinese aggression while demonstrating the US's commitment to developing countries, despite the absence of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

9/7/2023

With G20, US fetes India's rise while accepting differences

President Joe Biden will attend the Group of 20 (G20) summit in India as a supporter, even as the US acknowledges that India's interests may diverge from Washington's, with India seeking to emphasize development issues and bridge the concerns of the world's largest economies with those of the Global South.

9/9/2023

Biden Shakes Hands With Saudi Crown Prince MBS at G20, Reversing Earlier Frosty Reception

President Joe Biden warmly greeted Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman, at the Group of 20 summit, signaling a shift in their relationship despite previous tensions over human rights violations.

9/10/2023

Biden and Modi Hold Wide-Ranging Talks During President's First India Visit

The G20 Summit hosted by India was regarded as a success for the Modi government, and US President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of human rights and the role of civil society and a free press in his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Biden also expressed the desire for a stable relationship with China and praised Modi's leadership and hospitality.

9/18/2023

Biden's Saudi Handshake Signals Shifting Alliances as Nations Pursue Interests

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's attendance at the recent G20 summit in India, along with its inclusion in the China-dominated BRICS coalition and signing of the ship-to-rail economic corridor supported by President Joe Biden, highlights the complex web of alliances and economic opportunities arising from the rivalry between the US and China. These developments show the various economies caught between the two powers seeking to build their own strategic alliances and spheres of influence.

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Posted 9/9/2023, 10:31:00 PM

Biden Greets Saudi Crown Prince with Warm Handshake, Reversing Earlier Stance

Biden greeted Saudi Crown Prince MBS at G20 summit with warm handshake, after previously criticizing him as a "pariah" for human rights abuses.
In 2021, US intelligence found MBS ordered killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During campaign, Biden vowed to make Saudis "pay the price."
But Biden fist-bumped MBS in 2022, seeking oil production increase amid high gas prices. Critics accused Biden of conciliating with MBS.
In December 2022, federal judge dismissed lawsuit against MBS by Khashoggi's fiancée after Biden administration argued for sovereign immunity.
Meeting shows Biden easing pressure on Saudi Arabia and MBS despite human rights concerns.

nypost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

7/28/2023

Biden dispatches top adviser for talks with Saudi crown prince

9/7/2023

Biden heads to the G20 looking to make the most of Xi and Putin's absence

9/7/2023

With G20, US fetes India's rise while accepting differences

9/9/2023

Biden Shakes Hands With Saudi Crown Prince MBS at G20, Reversing Earlier Frosty Reception

9/10/2023

Biden and Modi Hold Wide-Ranging Talks During President's First India Visit

9/18/2023

Biden's Saudi Handshake Signals Shifting Alliances as Nations Pursue Interests