The Intelligence from The Economist Charming the prince: Biden seeks a deal with Saudi Arabia
Jul 18, 2023
Greg Karstrom, a Middle East correspondent and diplomacy expert, and Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia specialist, delve into the challenges faced by President Biden in securing a diplomatic deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel. They explore Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's demands and the implications for U.S. foreign relations. Additionally, they discuss Cambodia's political landscape under Hun Sen, the complexities of succession planning, and the innovative plans for sustainable urban development in Stockholm, showcasing how historical context shapes modern governance.
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Biden's Middle East Goal
- Biden wants Saudi Arabia and Israel to formalize their discreet relationship.
- The Saudis demand concessions, potentially too much for the Biden administration.
Israel's Arab Relations
- Until 2020, Israel had official ties with only two Arab states: Egypt and Jordan.
- The Abraham Accords in 2020 changed this, adding UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
US Goals for Deal
- Normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations could strengthen regional security against Iran.
- This could also influence Saudi Arabia's relationships with China and Russia.