General

Trump says US will sell F-35 stealth jets to Saudis as Prince Mohammed visits

On Tuesday, the White House is set to welcome Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), for his first official visit since the controversial assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi regime and a columnist for the Washington Post, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, an act that triggered international outrage and led to a CIA assessment that implicated MBS in approving the operation. This visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising energy prices, which have put pressure on the global economy.

During this high-profile visit, discussions are expected to focus on a range of critical issues, including energy cooperation and military sales, particularly the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The U.S. has long been a key arms supplier to the kingdom, and the F-35 deal, if finalized, would signify a significant strengthening of military ties between the two nations. The Biden administration has faced criticism for its approach to Saudi Arabia, balancing human rights concerns with strategic interests in the region. This visit by MBS, therefore, not only underscores the complexities of U.S.-Saudi relations but also highlights the broader implications for global security and diplomacy.

As the Crown Prince embarks on this pivotal trip, the backdrop of Khashoggi’s murder looms large, raising questions about the U.S.’s commitment to human rights and accountability in its foreign policy. While some analysts argue that engaging with MBS could help stabilize relations and promote cooperation on pressing issues such as energy security and counterterrorism, others caution that it risks undermining the U.S.’s moral standing on the global stage. This visit is a critical moment for both leaders, as they navigate the intricate balance between pragmatic diplomacy and ethical considerations in an increasingly multipolar world.