Accusations of a political about-face have embroiled President Joe Biden, tarnishing his pledge to reassess relations with Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. Critics, including human rights advocates and certain members of the Democratic Party, allege that Biden has forsaken his pre-election vow in favor of cultivating closer ties with the Saudi regime, a shift motivated by the need to counter China’s rising influence in the Middle East.
This condemnation coincided with the grim fifth anniversary of Khashoggi’s brutal killing by Saudi agents, adding fuel to the fire of discontent. Moreover, it emerged amid mounting scrutiny of a proposed new defense treaty between Washington and Riyadh, which could potentially lead to Saudi Arabia extending official recognition to Israel, a contentious prospect.
Biden’s initial approach to Middle East policy aimed to diminish the conventional U.S. role in the region, seemingly distancing itself from Saudi Arabia, particularly in the wake of global outrage surrounding Khashoggi’s assassination. However, this stance underwent a dramatic reversal as the President, during a visit to the region, declared that the United States would “remain an active, engaged partner” and underscored the imperative of preventing a power vacuum that could be filled by China, Russia, or Iran.
Analysts assert that this shift in U.S.-Saudi relations was prompted, in part, by Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, which triggered international sanctions and necessitated Western nations to explore alternative sources of energy to counter Russia’s dominance. Biden’s visit to Riyadh in July the previous year, marked by a friendly fist bump with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, served as a symbolic turning point.
In a revealing exchange, Biden conveyed his personal belief to the Crown Prince that he held him accountable for Khashoggi’s murder, while Prince Mohammed adamantly denied any involvement. Subsequently, the Biden administration determined that the Crown Prince enjoyed head-of-state immunity in American courts concerning the Khashoggi case, further fueling the controversy.
Vali Nasr, a prominent professor of international affairs and Middle East studies, contends that while the accusations against the administration’s abandonment of its stance on Khashoggi are valid, realpolitik has guided Washington’s actions. Nasr highlights the pressing need for the U.S. to drive a wedge between China and Saudi Arabia, a necessity underscored when China brokered a significant diplomatic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, demonstrating Beijing’s strategic leverage in the region.
Presently, Crown Prince Mohammed is engaged in negotiations for a comprehensive pact, potentially encompassing security guarantees and U.S. technological support for a nuclear energy program in exchange for establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel—a cherished goal for the Biden administration. Additionally, the Saudi leader is pressing for Israeli concessions regarding the Palestinians, a potential point of contention within Israel’s hard-right coalition government.
Khashoggi’s murder, a gruesome event that shocked the world, continues to cast a long shadow over international relations. Activists argue that recent diplomatic overtures not only tarnish Khashoggi’s memory but also constitute a betrayal of Biden’s campaign promise that his death would not be in vain.
Sarah Leigh Whitson, Executive Director of Dawn, a pro-democracy group founded by Khashoggi before his murder, laments that Biden’s actions commit America to unprecedented security guarantees, obligating American service members to support a dictator. She sees it as a misplaced priority in the pursuit of U.S. hegemony in the Middle East, particularly in a multi-polar world.
President Biden’s earlier commitment to uphold democratic values and human rights, even with close security partners, has now prompted concerns within his own party. Twenty Democratic senators have signed a letter expressing reservations about the proposed defense treaty, questioning its alignment with U.S. interests given Saudi Arabia’s authoritarian regime, human rights record, and aggressive foreign policy.
However, experts argue that the U.S. faces complex geopolitical challenges, making it necessary to consider a broader perspective beyond the prism of Khashoggi’s murder. The aim is to counterbalance China’s expanding influence while navigating the intricate Arab-Israeli conflict. The United States seeks to maintain its strategic position in the region, acknowledging that addressing these pressing issues may require nuanced diplomacy.
While Khashoggi’s tragic fate cannot be overlooked, policymakers contend that a comprehensive approach is essential, taking into account the multifaceted interests and realities of the region.
