Are the Saudis realigning with Israel’s foes?
Saudi Arabia is a large geopolitical puzzle piece in the center of the Middle East.
Its oil reserves, its usefulness as a staging ground for regional military action, and its role as a bulwark against Iran have kept it a valued American ally — even through bumps in the relationship, such as the 9/11 terrorists who originated there, and more recently the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
But with the ascent of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the leadership, the stage seemed set for a new era. MBS was eager to diversify his country’s economy and curry favor in Washington, and some saw an opportunity to nudge the kingdom toward greater moderation, possibly including normalization with the State of Israel.
Yet since MBS’s warm reception at the White House only a few months ago, Riyadh’s latest moves seem to be hinting at a drift back toward radicalism.
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