Riyadh Revelations: A Surprise Policy U-Turn
Donald Trump’s Gulf trip kicked off with a bang, not a whimper. In a stunning move, the US President announced the lifting of long-standing sanctions on Syria, a decision seemingly fueled by his chummy relationship with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “Oh what I do for the crown prince,” Trump quipped, drawing laughter, as he revealed the policy shift at an investment forum in Riyadh.
Arms, Energy, and a Trillion-Dollar Promise
The deal making didn’t stop there. The US and Saudi Arabia inked a massive arms package worth nearly $142 billion, hailed by the White House as its largest ever “defense cooperation agreement.” This encompassed air and missile defense, maritime security, and more. Bin Salman, not one to be outdone, hinted at a potential $1 trillion total investment package in the coming months, spanning energy, defense, and mining.
Syria’s “New Start” and the Khashoggi Elephant in the Room
For Syria, ravaged by a decade of civil war, the lifting of sanctions marks a potential “new start,” according to its Foreign Minister. Trump even agreed to a brief greeting with the Syrian President. However, the elephant in the room was the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite US intelligence implicating bin Salman, Trump called him an “incredible man,” and avoided mentioning the incident altogether.
Iran, Israel, and a Trip Focused on Deals
Trump’s trip, notably lacking an Israel stop, also saw him label Iran “the most destructive force” in the Middle East, while simultaneously extending an “olive branch” for a new nuclear deal. The focus, however, remained firmly on business. US business leaders like Elon Musk and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink were present, as Saudi Arabia showcased its ambitious “Vision 2030” development projects.
Personal Opinion:
Trump’s decision to lift Syria sanctions and his close relationship with the Saudi Crown Prince raise complex questions. On one hand, the potential for economic development and regional stability is undeniable. On the other hand, the optics of ignoring human rights concerns and potentially rewarding controversial figures are troubling. Whether this deal-centric approach will ultimately benefit US interests and regional stability remains to be seen.
