The nomination of the Biden administration may mean more than it seems when it comes to US foreign relations and policies. Under the Trump administration, Saudi Arabia was President Donald Trump’s first overseas visit, which sheds the light into the strong ties president Trump built with the crown prince including the US protection and full support. Saudi Arabia received an enormous support during the last years, such as weapons’ sales, denial of the Khashoggi murder and the involvement in the Yemen war. During the last five years 2014-2019, a quarter of US weapons’ sales went to Saudi Arabia, and up from 7.4 percent in 2010-2014. Following that, Saudi Arabia began its military involvement in the war in Yemen in March 2015. A war that carries a major humanitarian cost within it.
Luckily, the new Biden administration has made the US position in regards to Saudi Arabia and the war in Yemen very clear. The new administration is giving a needed hope around the world {…..and make sure America does not check its values at the door to sell arms or buy oil,” Biden said in October. The Biden administration may play a major role in the Yemen war, it may impact the ending of the war through enforcing a diplomatic pressure on Saudi Arabia.
The war in Yemen involves multiple external actors, which makes its ending complicated. However, the US with the lead of president Joe Biden and the support of the democratic party can reduce the gravity and make an end to the humanitarian war.
Ghada,
I think you are right that there is likely to be a major reevaluation in the Biden administration of its relations with Saudi Arabia, and its broader role in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. I think it is unlikely that the Saudis will retain the kind of carte blanche that they have had under Trump. At the same time, Iran will remain a primary focus not only out of concern about whether it will restart its nuclear program but also because of its sponsorship of Hezbollah and Hamas and its role in Syria.
–Professor Wallerstein