It was the president’s first trip abroad, and the capital Riyadh had been transformed into a celebration of American culture, with flags, projections and music. Joe Biden’s arrival couldn’t be more different. Waiting for him as he descended the steps of Air Force One was the ruler of Mecca. Later, the president greeted the country’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (known as MBS) with a fist bump. This COVID-19 precaution avoided a handshake photo shoot, something White House aides were said to have feared. Of course, the Saudis have adapted their reception and adapted their diplomatic choreography to a more traditional politician. But the contrast is also evidence of strained relations between the two nations, as Mr Biden attempts a difficult shift from distrust of the kingdom to a need to rely on it. Image: Donald Trump had a warm relationship with MBS During the 2020 election campaign, candidate Biden said he would make the country a “pariah” because of human rights abuses. The 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents is perhaps the most prominent example. So the punch didn’t go down well with the Washington Post who called it “embarrassing.” The newspaper, for which Mr Khashoggi was a contributor, said in a statement:[It] it was worse than a handshake – it was a shame. “It showed a level of familiarity and comfort that offered MBS the unapologetic redemption he desperately sought.” The problem is that the president has realized that he needs Saudi Arabia: to help counter the threat of China, increase oil production and improve relations with Israel. Today was an awkward meeting. Image: journalist Jamal Khashoggi Analysis: Biden visits the Middle East for the first time as president, but the timing is not ideal “You will apologize [Jamal Khashoggi’s] family;” shouted an American journalist as the two leaders sat down as the talks began. The crown prince appeared to smile slightly as a Saudi aide grabbed the reporter’s hand. There is no independent media in Saudi Arabia. Local journalists live under intense surveillance and some have been imprisoned. Earlier, President Biden had met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank. The US has been trying to improve relations with the Palestinians since the administration of Donald Trump cut off aid and pushed relations to a nadir. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:10 President Biden praises two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians at press conference in Bethlehem The former president had fully supported the hard-line agenda of then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, giving the green light to the expansion of Jewish settlements and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. And in Palestine on Friday, Mr. Biden’s efforts fell on deaf ears. While they heard his promises, many did not fully buy into them. US diplomatic history is full of necessary—if unconventional—bonds between leaders. Biden may consider his trip to Saudi Arabia a tense meeting, but more than any president, he knows the importance of the long game.
