Saudi Arabia is learning the hard way: they can’t count on Trump for protection
After Houthis escalated their attacks on Saudi Arabia, the US turned down calls from MBS for help
TL;DR
- Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had a close relationship with Donald Trump, marked by significant arms deals and investments in US companies.
- Despite billions invested, Saudi Arabia is receiving lukewarm US support against Houthi rebels in Yemen, with Trump resisting calls for direct US military intervention.
- The Houthi attacks on Saudi territory have escalated, including a cruise missile attack on Riyadh's international airport, killing at least 13 people.
- Trump's reluctance to escalate involvement in the regional conflict appears driven by domestic concerns, including rising energy prices and unpopularity of new wars among his base.
- The article suggests that wealthy autocrats can exploit Trump's transactional style of governing, potentially subsuming US interests within his business ventures.
- Trump previously protected Prince Mohammed from sanctions after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, despite US intelligence concluding the prince ordered the killing.
- Saudi Arabia also supported the Trump Organization financially after January 2021, when other entities distanced themselves.
- The author, Mohamad Bazzi, is a Guardian US columnist and professor at New York University.