How much does Saudi Arabia really rely on the US?
Donald Trump claims King Salman would ‘not last two weeks’ without American military support
Donald Trump has laid bare the Middle East’s primary power dynamic, claiming that Saudi Arabia and its King would not last “two weeks” in power without American military support.
Addressing a campaign rally in Mississippi, Trump appeared to call on rich allies to pay more for their own defence.
“And how about our military deals where we protect rich nations that we don't get reimbursed. How about that stuff? That's changing too folks,” he said. “We protect Saudi Arabia. Would you say they're rich? And I love the King... King Salman but I said ‘King, we're protecting you. You might not be there for two weeks without us. You have to pay for your military.’”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The US-Saudi alliance is one of the most enduring diplomatic relationships in the world.
Forged during the Second World War, what is effectively an oil-for-arms arrangement has maintained the balance of power in the Middle East for decades.
“In addition to Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserves and role as the spiritual anchor of the Sunni Muslim world, the long intelligence relationship helps explain why the United States has been reluctant to openly criticize Saudi Arabia for its human rights abuses, its treatment of women and its support for the extreme strain of Islam, Wahhabism, that has inspired many of the very terrorist groups the United States is fighting,” wrote Mark Mazzetti in The New York Times in 2016. He argued that the alliance is kept afloat “on a sea of Saudi money and a recognition of mutual self-interest”.
The 2015 Iran nuclear deal marked the nadir in relations, but since Trump has come to power, ties between the Gulf kingdom and Washington have strengthened, especially after the administration announced it was withdrawing from the agreement. The White House has also defended Saudi involvement in Yemen, despite repeated criticism from the United Nations and international rights groups.
During his first official overseas trip as president, Trump signed a nearly $110bn defence deal with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It was part of a much larger $350bn package of economic and defence investments between the two countries over the next ten years “which signaled a renewed US commitment to its alliance with Saudi Arabia”, says CNN.
Following a 2017 summit in Riyadh, both countries also agreed to increase cooperation on maritime security, military preparedness, arms transfers and cyber security.
Yet Trump’s bellicose comments belie a more complicated relationship, and his warning to the Kingdom to increase its defence spending or face an uncertain future can be seen as “an effort to pile on one of America’s closest allies over the rising cost of oil”, says The Independent.
With crude prices at a four-year-high and with midterm elections looming, Trump has repeatedly sought to pressure the Saudi-led Opec oil cartel into upping production.
But, in a sign of how intertwined both countries have become economically, Saudi Arabia has sought to “strike a balance between maximising revenue and keeping a lid on prices until US congressional elections”, says CNBC.
The news network says the Kingdom “still wants to keep oil prices as high as possible without offending Washington”, as it needs cash to finance a series of economic development projects.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 2, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
What might a Trump victory mean for the global economy?
Today's Big Question A second term in office for the 'America First' administration would send shockwaves far beyond the United States' shores
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Women take center stage in campaign finale
Speed Read Harris and Trump are trading gender attacks in the final days before the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
How GOP election denial thrives in 2024
In the Spotlight Cleta Mitchell aided Donald Trump's efforts in 2020. She's back.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Life in the post-truth era
Opinion The mainstream media can't hold back a tsunami of misinformation
By Theunis Bates Published
-
'Shale is crucial to the US economy'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What is the next Tory leader up against?
Today's Big Question Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick will have to unify warring factions and win back disillusioned voters – without alienating the centre ground
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Donald Trump sees himself as 'protector' of Israel
The Explainer What does that mean for the war in Gaza?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published