News Analysis: Biden avoiding some hard topics over looming Saudi Arabia visit
2 years, 5 months ago

News Analysis: Biden avoiding some hard topics over looming Saudi Arabia visit

LA Times  

President Biden greets Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday. Pressed last month on whether the president stands by his comments during the 2020 campaign that the Saudis were a “rogue” regime and international “pariah,” Biden’s press secretary fought hard to avoid answering directly. Biden also did not reference Khashoggi’s murder, only acknowledging “that there are many who disagree with my decision to travel to Saudi Arabia.” He added: “My views on human rights are clear and long-standing, and fundamental freedoms are always on the agenda when I travel abroad, as they will be during this trip.” Khashoggi’s widow, who met with Biden at the White House before he departed, said Wednesday that the president had vowed to bring up the killing during his meeting with Mohammed. “It would actually help Biden domestically, given the political downside of meeting with MBS, to explain it and just say, ‘It is about oil and lowering your gas prices,’” said an administration official, granted anonymity to speak candidly about internal White House conversations. “The president probably would have gone to the Middle East anyway, but I’m not sure that he would have added Saudi Arabia on to the itinerary.” Biden’s decision to meet the Saudis on their turf, Gause said, is no small thing for the royal family, even if the White House has tried to obscure the point.

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History of this topic

Biden Says He Doesn't Know If Israel Is Holding Up Cease-Fire Deal To Influence Election
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Biden Says He Doesn't Know If Israel Is Holding Up Cease-Fire Deal To Influence Election

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden had terse words for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, and said he didn’t know whether the Israeli leader was holding up a Mideast peace deal in order to influence the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. “And whether he’s trying to influence the election, I don’t know, but I’m not …

Conflicts In Mideast And Ukraine To Loom Over Biden's Farewell Address At United Nations
3 months ago

Conflicts In Mideast And Ukraine To Loom Over Biden's Farewell Address At United Nations

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING NEW YORK — President Joe Biden is set to deliver his final address to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday as Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon are edging toward all-out war and Israel’s bloodyoperation against Hamas in Gaza nears the one-year mark. Biden is expected to use his wide-ranging address to speak to the need to …

Biden hosts Iraqi leader after Iran’s attack on Israel throws Mideast into greater uncertainty
8 months, 1 week ago

Biden hosts Iraqi leader after Iran’s attack on Israel throws Mideast into greater uncertainty

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Monday hosted Iraq’s leader at the White House as his administration worked to prevent an escalation in Mideast hostilities following Iran’s weekend aerial assault on Israel. “Our partnership is pivotal for our nations, the Middle East and the world,” Biden told al-Sudani, as the Iraqi leader noted the discussion comes at a “sensitive time.” …

Biden says ‘key elements’ of a Gaza deal are on the table as he meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah
10 months, 1 week ago

Biden says ‘key elements’ of a Gaza deal are on the table as he meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Declaring that “every innocent life lost in Gaza is a tragedy,” President Joe Biden welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II to the White House Monday for talks on how to end the months-long war and plan for what comes afterward. “The key elements of the deal are on the table,” Biden said alongside the king, though “there are gaps …

Biden says ‘key elements’ of a Gaza deal are on the table as he meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah
10 months, 1 week ago

Biden says ‘key elements’ of a Gaza deal are on the table as he meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah

LA Times  

President Biden, center, and First Lady Jill Biden, stand with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein, left, at the White House on Monday. Declaring that “every innocent life lost in Gaza is a tragedy,” President Biden welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II to the White House on Monday for talks on how to end the months-long war …

What EU foreign policy chief said on Joe Biden's visit to Israel: ‘Necessary’
1 year, 2 months ago

What EU foreign policy chief said on Joe Biden's visit to Israel: ‘Necessary’

Hindustan Times  

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Tuesday that US President Joe Biden's planned visit to Israel after the Hamas attacks was "absolutely necessary". Israel-Hamas War: US President Joe Biden Biden is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday amid frantic diplomatic efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after waves of Israeli retaliatory air …

US President Joe Biden will visit Israel tomorrow, says Blinken
1 year, 2 months ago

US President Joe Biden will visit Israel tomorrow, says Blinken

Deccan Chronicle  

TEL AVIV: President Joe Biden will travel to Israel and on to Jordan Wednesday to meet with both Israeli and Arab leadership, as concerns increase that the raging Israel-Hamas war could expand into a larger regional conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Biden’s travel to Israel as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip grows more dire and …

Biden to head to Israel, Jordan as concerns mount that Israel-Hamas conflict will spread
1 year, 2 months ago

Biden to head to Israel, Jordan as concerns mount that Israel-Hamas conflict will spread

The Hindu  

President Joe Biden will travel to Israel and on to Jordan Wednesday to meet with both Israeli and Arab leadership, as concerns increase that the raging Israel-Hamas war could expand into a larger regional conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Biden’s travel to Israel as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip grows more dire and as Israel …

President Biden will make critical war time visit to Israel tomorrow into 'reaffirm solidarity' and press to get humanitarian aid into Gaza before meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
1 year, 2 months ago

President Biden will make critical war time visit to Israel tomorrow into 'reaffirm solidarity' and press to get humanitarian aid into Gaza before meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Daily Mail  

President Joe Biden will visit Israel tomorrow, the Secretary of State announced on Monday night in order to 'reaffirm solidarity' with its closest ally in the Middle East, as well as to press for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. Antony Blinken on Monday announced that Joe Biden will be in Tel Aviv on Wednesday As Blinken made his …

Biden will head to Israel and Jordan as concerns mount that Israel-Hamas conflict will spread
1 year, 2 months ago

Biden will head to Israel and Jordan as concerns mount that Israel-Hamas conflict will spread

Associated Press  

TEL AVIV, Israel — President Joe Biden will travel to Israel and on to Jordan Wednesday to meet with both Israeli and Arab leadership, as concerns increase that the raging Israel-Hamas war could expand into a larger regional conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Biden’s travel to Israel as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip grows more …

Biden is set to visit Israel. But a planned stop in Jordan has been canceled
1 year, 2 months ago

Biden is set to visit Israel. But a planned stop in Jordan has been canceled

NPR  

Biden is set to visit Israel. But a planned stop in Jordan has been canceled Enlarge this image toggle caption Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images President Biden left for a quick trip to Tel Aviv, Israel on Tuesday, a visit meant to signal full U.S. support as Israel responds to the Hamas attacks. Sponsor Message …

Biden considering trip to Israel in the coming days, but travel isn’t final, according to AP source
1 year, 2 months ago

Biden considering trip to Israel in the coming days, but travel isn’t final, according to AP source

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is considering a trip to Israel in the coming days but no travel has been finalized, a senior administration official said Sunday. Egypt’s state-run media said el-Sissi told Blinken that Israel’s Gaza operation has exceeded “the right of self-defense” and turned into “a collective punishment.” Blinken told reporters before leaving Egypt that “Israel has the …

Israel and US discussing possible Biden visit after Netanyahu extends invitation
1 year, 2 months ago

Israel and US discussing possible Biden visit after Netanyahu extends invitation

CNN  

Washington CNN — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited President Joe Biden to visit Israel soon, and both countries are discussing the possibility, a source familiar with the matter told CNN. If it did materialize, a trip would amount to a dramatic show of support by Biden for Israel as the country responds to last weekend’s devastating attacks by …

Israel-Saudi Arabia ‘normalisation’ deal in reach, Netanyahu tells Biden
1 year, 3 months ago

Israel-Saudi Arabia ‘normalisation’ deal in reach, Netanyahu tells Biden

Al Jazeera  

Meeting comes amid apparent friction between the two leaders over Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan in Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed confidence that a “historic” US-brokered agreement to establish formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia can be reached, as the Israeli prime minister held talks with US President Joe Biden. “I think that under your leadership, Mr President, we …

Biden set for busy week of foreign policy, including talks with Brazil, Israel and Ukraine leaders
1 year, 3 months ago

Biden set for busy week of foreign policy, including talks with Brazil, Israel and Ukraine leaders

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President Joe Biden' s busy agenda for his time at …

Biden dispatches top adviser for talks with Saudi crown prince on normalizing relations with Israel
1 year, 4 months ago

Biden dispatches top adviser for talks with Saudi crown prince on normalizing relations with Israel

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden dispatched his national security adviser Jake Sullivan to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for talks with the kingdom’s de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the White House pushes for a normalization of relations between the country and Israel. Sullivan and the prince also discussed the Biden administration’s hopes to normalize relations between Israel …

Biden dispatches top adviser for talks with Saudi crown prince on normalizing relations with Israel
1 year, 4 months ago

Biden dispatches top adviser for talks with Saudi crown prince on normalizing relations with Israel

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President Joe Biden dispatched his national security adviser Jake Sullivan …

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
1 year, 6 months ago

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Tuesday in Saudi Arabia and later met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid strained relations between Riyadh and Washington. Blinken’s trip, his second to Saudi Arabia since becoming America’s top diplomat, comes after the kingdom under Prince Mohammed has been more willing to disregard the U.S. in striking …

Biden aide, Saudi prince see ‘progress’ toward Yemen war end
1 year, 8 months ago

Biden aide, Saudi prince see ‘progress’ toward Yemen war end

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke by phone with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday amid signs that the Saudis and Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen are making “remarkable progress” toward finding a permanent end to their nine-year conflict, according to the Biden administration. The White House said in statement that Sullivan “welcomed Saudi …

Biden’s Ukraine visit upstages Putin and leaves Moscow’s military pundits raging
1 year, 10 months ago

Biden’s Ukraine visit upstages Putin and leaves Moscow’s military pundits raging

CNN  

CNN — President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Ukraine sparked anger and embarrassment among many of Russia’s hawkish military pundits on Monday, increasing pressure on Vladimir Putin as the Russian leader prepares to justify his stuttering invasion in a national address. But the visit caused fury in Russian pro-military and ultranationalist circles, as it upstages Putin on the eve of …

Biden makes surprise Ukraine visit, pledging more U.S. aid as war’s anniversary nears
1 year, 10 months ago

Biden makes surprise Ukraine visit, pledging more U.S. aid as war’s anniversary nears

LA Times  

Even as air-raid sirens wailed, Biden met with Ukraine’s leader to pledge continued U.S. support, both moral and material, for Kyiv against Russia. President Biden secretly slipped into Kyiv on Monday for a historic visit to show U.S. solidarity with war-torn Ukraine, pledging an additional half-billion dollars in military aid and declaring Russian leader Vladimir Putin to be “dead wrong” …

Joe Biden has ‘no plans’ to meet Saudi Arabia’s MBS at G20 summit
2 years, 2 months ago

Joe Biden has ‘no plans’ to meet Saudi Arabia’s MBS at G20 summit

Al Jazeera  

Saudi Arabia’s defence minister, meanwhile, said he is ‘astonished’ by accusations the kingdom is ‘standing with Russia in its war with Ukraine’. United States President Joe Biden has “no plans” to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at next month’s G20 summit in Indonesia, a senior US official says, as tensions over the OPEC+ decision to cut oil …

Biden vs the Kingdom: Is this the end of the US-Saudi relationship?
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden vs the Kingdom: Is this the end of the US-Saudi relationship?

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Signalling a potential departure from a …

Biden re-evaluates US relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC decision
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden re-evaluates US relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC decision

Hindustan Times  

President Joe Biden is re-evaluating the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC announced last week that it would cut oil production, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday. US President Joe Biden Watch: Biden's 'consequence' warning to Saudi "I think the president's been very clear that this is a relationship that we need to continue to …

Biden vows ‘consequences’ for Saudis after OPEC+ cuts output
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden vows ‘consequences’ for Saudis after OPEC+ cuts output

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Tuesday there will be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia as the Riyadh-led OPEC+ alliance moves to cut oil production and Democratic lawmakers call for a freeze on cooperation with the Saudis. But there will be — there will be consequences.” John Kirby, a White House National Security Council spokesman, said Biden believes “it’s time to …

Biden vows ‘consequences’ for Saudi Arabia after oil output cuts
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden vows ‘consequences’ for Saudi Arabia after oil output cuts

Al Jazeera  

US president suggests he will soon take action as aides announce the White House is re-evaluating its relationship with the kingdom. Joe Biden, the United States president, has warned Saudi Arabia that there will be “consequences” after a global cartel of oil-producing countries led by the kingdom and Russia announced that they would cut oil production despite Washington’s objections. Biden …

Biden will examine all aspects of US-Saudi relationship, including arms sales, national security adviser says
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden will examine all aspects of US-Saudi relationship, including arms sales, national security adviser says

CNN  

CNN — President Joe Biden will examine all aspects of US ties with Saudi Arabia, including arms sales, as administration officials begin quiet discussions with members of Congress and congressional aides about how the US could impose consequences on the kingdom following the kingdom’s decision to partner with Russia in cutting oil production. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper …

Biden reevaluating US-Saudi relationship amid Democrat anger
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden reevaluating US-Saudi relationship amid Democrat anger

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. John Kirby, the strategic communications coordinator for the National Security Council at the White …

Biden is 're-evaluating' the relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC slashed oil production
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden is 're-evaluating' the relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC slashed oil production

Daily Mail  

President Biden is considering getting tough on Saudi Arabia by re-evaluating the relationship with the kingdom after OPEC+ slashed oil production last week. Cutting oil production in the Middle East by two million barrels a day is sure to push gas prices even higher - just one month before midterm elections - and has led to claims Saudi Arabia is …

‘Global Ambitions, Ties with Putin, Protecting Economy’: Here’s Why Saudi Snubbed Biden on OPEC Cuts Plea
2 years, 2 months ago

‘Global Ambitions, Ties with Putin, Protecting Economy’: Here’s Why Saudi Snubbed Biden on OPEC Cuts Plea

News 18  

Saudi Arabia sided with Russia after it decided to slash production of crude angering the United States. The decision by Saudi also shows that the longstanding alliance between the US and Saudi Arabia is facing problems despite Joe Biden, the US president, attempting to mend ties, traveled to the West Asian nation and even sat down with Prince Salman, aka …

Why US President Joe Biden’s West Asia Visit Remains Significant - News18
2 years, 4 months ago

Why US President Joe Biden’s West Asia Visit Remains Significant - News18

News 18  

United States President Joe Biden completed his West Asia visit on July 13, with trips to Jerusalem and Riyadh. On the second day of Biden’s visit, the US and Israel signed a joint pledge to deny Iran access to nuclear arms. The 2013 Nuclear Deal with Iran created discomfort for Saudi Arabia as well as Israel. This recent declaration by …

President Biden looks no further than a US-led world order on Gulf visit
2 years, 5 months ago

President Biden looks no further than a US-led world order on Gulf visit

The Hindu  

Published : Jul 24, 2022 18:00 IST President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia in the second week of July was not prompted by a sudden desire to solve the Israel-Palestine dispute or bring lasting peace to the region. “The trip sends the message that the United States is prepared to look the other way when its commercial …

Biden’s Mideast trip aimed at reassuring wary leaders
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden’s Mideast trip aimed at reassuring wary leaders

Associated Press  

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Before stepping foot in Saudi Arabia, President Joe Biden knew there would be trouble. “It is only becoming clearer to me how closely interwoven America’s interests are with the successes of the Middle East,” the president said Saturday at a summit in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. “We will seek to build on this moment …

Why did Joe Biden take a U-turn on Saudi Arabia?
2 years, 5 months ago

Why did Joe Biden take a U-turn on Saudi Arabia?

The Hindu  

“We were going to, in fact, make them pay the price, and make them, in fact, the par*** that they are,” Joe Biden said in November 2019 during a Presidential campaign event. After assuming the Presidency in January 2021, Mr. Biden released a U.S. intelligence assessment that concluded that Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and de facto ruler of …

Biden formally invites UAE's leader to the US as he kicks off day two in Saudi Arabia
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden formally invites UAE's leader to the US as he kicks off day two in Saudi Arabia

Daily Mail  

President Joe Biden formally invited the leader of the United Arab Emirates to the United States by the end of the year as he kicked off day two in Saudi Arabia with a trio of meetings with Arab leaders. President Joe Biden formally invited United Arab Emirates President Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the United States when they …

Biden’s Saudi visit aims to balance rights, oil, security
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden’s Saudi visit aims to balance rights, oil, security

Associated Press  

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — President Joe Biden met Friday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the man he once pledged to shun for human rights violations, and shared a cordial fist bump as he tried to reset an important diplomatic relationship, bolster Mideast security and increase the global flow of oil. During an earlier stop in Israel, he said …

Analysis: How much closer can Biden bring Saudi Arabia to Israel?
2 years, 5 months ago

Analysis: How much closer can Biden bring Saudi Arabia to Israel?

Al Jazeera  

Riyadh and Tel Aviv have edged closer to full normalisation, but a deal is unlikely during Biden’s trip to Jeddah. “I think that in this sense more steps can be taken following Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia, whether it comes to business, tourism, or indirect communication between the two sides.” Looking ahead, if Saudi Arabia gives the go-ahead to other …

Yemenis divided on Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia
2 years, 5 months ago

Yemenis divided on Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

Yemen will be on the agenda during the US president’s visit to Jeddah, but Yemeni politicians are not invited. Accordingly, I do not see any long-term benefit for Yemen from Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia,” Saleh said. Therefore, I would be naive if I say Biden’s Saudi trip will repair these internal problems in Yemen.” Biden’s focus on the economy …

Biden claims US will achieve accountability for Abu Akleh killing
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden claims US will achieve accountability for Abu Akleh killing

Al Jazeera  

US President Joe Biden is set to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the latest leg of his Middle East tour. Palestinian politician Hanan Ashrawi said Biden’s “statement of intent” on Abu Akleh are part and parcel of favourable US policy towards Israel. “Two states along the 1967 lines with mutually agreed upon swaps remains the best way to achieve …

Biden says he brought up Khashoggi killing with Saudi leaders
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden says he brought up Khashoggi killing with Saudi leaders

Al Jazeera  

On visit to the Gulf kingdom, US president says he made clear what he thinks of Saudi journalist’s 2018 murder. US President Joe Biden has said he brought up the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the top of a meeting with senior Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. …

Joe Biden Tried To Spin His Saudi Arabia Trip — And It Was A Total Mess
2 years, 5 months ago

Joe Biden Tried To Spin His Saudi Arabia Trip — And It Was A Total Mess

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Before President Joe Biden left for the Middle East this week, he and his team spent weeks trying to publicly and privately defend the most controversial part of his trip: his visit to Saudi Arabia. Within the administration, skeptical national security staffers see the Saudi stint as hypocritical and unlikely to boost American interests ― with some …

Joe Biden visits Israel on first West Asia tour as U.S. president
2 years, 5 months ago

Joe Biden visits Israel on first West Asia tour as U.S. president

The Hindu  

U.S. President Joe Biden on July 13 kicked off a West Asia tour in Israel where both sides vowed to deepen the Jewish state's integration in the region as they face their common foe Iran. "We'll continue to advance Israel's integration into the region," Mr. Biden said after Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv …

Biden heads to Middle East in high-stakes trip to boost ties
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden heads to Middle East in high-stakes trip to boost ties

Live Mint  

BY CATHERINE LUCEY | UPDATED JUL 13, 2022 08:10 AM EDT U.S. president is set to meet with leaders of Israel, Saudi Arabia and other allies and partners in region during four-day trip JERUSALEM—President Biden arrives in Israel on Wednesday to kick off a trip to the Middle East that his administration hopes will bolster U.S. ties in the region, …

Biden seeks new chapter in troubled Middle East
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden seeks new chapter in troubled Middle East

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will try to reaffirm and recalibrate U.S. relationships in the Middle East during his first trip to the region since taking office, but it won’t be easy in a corner of the world that’s asking fresh questions about the future of American influence. Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser, said the U.S. needs to …

US signals Biden will avoid shaking hands during Middle East trip
2 years, 5 months ago

US signals Biden will avoid shaking hands during Middle East trip

Al Jazeera  

Despite the new COVID prevention guidelines, the US president has shaken the hands of Netanyahu and Gantz early in his visit to Israel. As Joe Biden starts his first visit to the Middle East as US president, the White House has signalled that he will avoid shaking hands with dignitaries and counterparts to decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19. But …

Joe Biden arrives in Middle East on first trip as US president
2 years, 5 months ago

Joe Biden arrives in Middle East on first trip as US president

Al Jazeera  

US leader will visit Israel, the occupied West Bank and Saudi Arabia during four-day trip. Arriving on Air Force One at Ben Gurion airport on Wednesday, Biden was warmly greeted by Israeli officials and, in a speech, described the US’s connection with the country as “bone-deep”. “The PA is continuing to bet on the Americans and the delusion that Biden’s …

Don’t expect sword dances when Biden visits Saudi
2 years, 5 months ago

Don’t expect sword dances when Biden visits Saudi

CNN  

Editor’s Note: A version of this story first appeared in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the region’s biggest stories. Acknowledgment of MBS’ leadership Less than a month into his presidency, the White House said Biden would interact with Saudi Arabia on the head-of-state level, as the relationship with the kingdom would be “recalibrated.” The …

Iran, not oil, is the main topic of Biden’s trip among Middle Eastern leaders
2 years, 5 months ago

Iran, not oil, is the main topic of Biden’s trip among Middle Eastern leaders

LA Times  

Many in the United States view President Biden’s trip to the Middle East that began Wednesday as a mission to lower oil prices. “It’s all about dealing with the strategic challenge that comes from Iran, both to Israel and to Saudi Arabia and the other Arabs that President Biden will be meeting in Jeddah,” said Martin Indyk, a former special …

In pursuit of oil and Mideast security, Biden to meet with Saudis he once regarded as pariahs
2 years, 5 months ago

In pursuit of oil and Mideast security, Biden to meet with Saudis he once regarded as pariahs

LA Times  

President Biden heads this week to the Middle East, where his administration is confronting serious challenges. In a 2019 campaign event, Biden said his administration would make those responsible for the slaying “pay the price, and make them, in fact, the pariah that they are.” Until now, Biden has only dealt with the aging King Salman and only by telephone, …

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