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How has the United States’ close relationship with Saudi Arabia affected its stance on Middle Eastern politics?

Jackson Lucock

The close relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia has had a significant impact on America's stance on Middle Eastern politics over the years. This relationship has been built on a shared interest in maintaining stability within the region, particularly with regards to oil production and trade. However, this close alliance also has its fair share of controversies.

One of the most significant ways the U.S.-Saudi relationship has affected American Middle Eastern politics is through arms sales. The United States is one of Saudi Arabia's largest weapons suppliers, with arms transfers estimated to be worth billions of dollars. While this has helped the U.S. economy, it has also contributed to the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia has been accused of committing atrocities against civilians. The U.S. government has been criticized for not standing up to Saudi Arabia in addressing these human rights concerns, highlighting the effects of the alliance on U.S. policy towards the region.

Another way in which the U.S.-Saudi relationship has influenced American Middle Eastern politics is in their shared efforts to combat terrorism. The U.S. considers Saudi Arabia a key ally in its fight against extremist groups such as ISIS, and Saudi Arabia is itself a victim of terrorist attacks. However, critics argue that Saudi Arabia's promotion of an ultra-conservative form of Islam, Wahhabism, has contributed to the spread of violent extremism across the region. Some assert that the U.S. government has not done enough to criticize Saudi Arabia in this regard. As such, the relationship has continued to elicit debate and divided opinions among Americans.

The U.S.-Saudi relationship has also played a role in America's stance on the ongoing conflict in Syria. The U.S. has long been supportive of Syria's opposition forces, who are fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's regime. However, Saudi Arabia supports the rebels who have been accused of committing human rights abuses, while the U.S. has provided support to Kurdish groups who are seen as central to the fight against ISIS. As such, their differing objectives in Syria have led to some differences in their Middle Eastern policy.

In conclusion, the U.S.'s close relationship with Saudi Arabia has had a significant impact on its stance on Middle Eastern politics, both positively and negatively. The United States has benefited from a strong alliance with Saudi Arabia in terms of oil trade, counter-terrorism, and arms sales. However, the alliance has also been criticized for its role in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, as well as for Saudi Arabia's promotion of a strict form of Islam, which has in turn contributed to extremism in the region. Ultimately, the U.S.'s relationship with Saudi Arabia remains a controversial and contentious issue that will continue to shape American policy towards the Middle East for years to come.