Saudi Arabia Regains Influence in Washington Despite Khashoggi Murder

Five years after Khashoggi's murder, Saudi Arabia has regained influence in Washington under both Trump and Biden.
Saudi Arabia is seeking a security pact, nuclear program and Israel deal in exchange for diplomatic ties.
Despite pledges, Biden has not held Saudi Arabia accountable for human rights abuses.
Saudi money has rehabilitated MBS's image among think tanks, media and business.
MBS continues authoritarian rule at home but presents himself as a reformer to the West.

vox.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.

9/9/2023

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.

9/16/2023

U.S. Engages Saudi Arabia to Ensure Oil Supply Stability Amid OPEC+ Output Cuts

The United States is in regular contact with Saudi Arabia to ensure a stable and affordable supply of energy to global markets, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. This comes as cuts in oil output by Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected to result in a significant market deficit.

9/19/2023

Biden Pursues Israel-Saudi Deal to Counter Iran, Define Legacy

The Biden administration is pursuing a "grand bargain" in the Middle East, aiming to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia in order to achieve various benefits, including countering Iran and China, strengthening regional stability, and scoring a foreign policy win for Biden's re-election campaign in 2024.

9/20/2023

Saudi Crown Prince Addresses Khashoggi Murder, Nuclear Ambitions, and Sportswashing in Fox News Interview

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addressed controversies surrounding his country, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and ties to the 9/11 attacks, in an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier.

9/21/2023

MBS Deflects Saudi Role in 9/11 Attacks in Fox News Interview, Drawing Ire from Victims' Families

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addressed questions about the Saudi government's alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks, stating that if Americans believe Saudi Arabia was behind it, then Osama bin Laden succeeded in his plan to create a rift between the two countries.

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Posted 10/2/2023, 8:00:00 PM