The Daily

When Biden Met M.B.S.

Jul 18, 2022

Ben Hubbard, the Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into President Biden's controversial engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discuss Biden’s shift from branding Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' to seeking collaboration amid rising oil prices. Hubbard highlights the tense fist bump at their meeting, the implications for human rights post-Khashoggi, and the strategic outcomes, including efforts in technology and regional security. It’s a captivating exploration of the complexities in U.S.-Saudi relations.

28:13

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Episode guests

Ben Hubbard

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Diplomatic Tensions: A Fist Bump Instead of a Handshake

2min

Mohammed bin Salman: Power and Paradox

14min

Strategic Outcomes of the Biden-MBS Meeting

3min

Tensions and Diplomatic Maneuvers

4min

Political Setbacks and Systemic Failures Unveiled

3min

In the past, President Biden has called Saudi Arabia a “pariah” for its human rights abuses and said that he would never meet with its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

But Mr. Biden’s first trip as president to the Middle East included talks with the prince. What prompted the change in course?

Guest: Ben Hubbard, the Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times.

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Background reading:

Mr. Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia garnered scathing criticism and modest accords.
An unspoken result of Mr. Biden’s meeting with Prince Mohammed: A setback in the case of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who was killed by Saudi agents in 2018.

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