Biden fails to secure oil and regional security commitments at Arab summit

President Biden on Saturday told a summit of Arab leaders that the United States "is invested in building a positive future of the region, in partnership with all of you." However, Reuters reported, Biden failed to secure commitments for increased oil production or for a regional security alliance — including Israel — to counter the threat of Iran.
"Saudi Arabia, Washington's most important Arab ally, poured cold water on U.S. hopes" following a dustup over human rights, Reuters reports. During a meeting on Friday, Biden confronted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman about the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which bin Salman likely approved. In response, the crown prince brought up the abuse of prisoners that took place at Abu Ghraib prison during the U.S. war in Iraq.
"The crown prince responded to President Biden's remarks on the Khashoggi affair quite clearly — that [Khashoggi's murder], while very unfortunate and abhorrent, is something that the kingdom took very seriously," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said at a press conference Saturday, adding that such "mistakes" happen "in any country."
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 New York Times notes that, despite Biden's repeated references to a global battle between "democracy and autocracy," he is willing to maintain ties with the Gulf monarchies in order to prevent America's rivals from gaining greater influence in the region. Biden insisted that the U.S. will not "walk away" from the Middle East "and leave a vacuum to be filled by China, Russia, or Iran."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Grayson Quay was the weekend editor at TheWeek.com. His writing has also been published in National Review, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Modern Age, The American Conservative, The Spectator World, and other outlets. Grayson earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019.
-
The pros and cons of buying a new-build house
the explainer Repairs and maintenance will be minimal on a brand new build — but moving into an existing home can be easier upfront
-
Mexico’s forced disappearances
Under the Radar 130,000 people missing as 20-year war on drugs leaves ‘the country’s landscape ever more blood-soaked’
-
The Week contest: Racoon’s regrets
Puzzles and Quizzes
-
House posts lewd Epstein note attributed to Trump
Speed Read The estate of Jeffrey Epstein turned over the infamous 2003 birthday note from President Donald Trump
-
Supreme Court allows 'roving' race-tied ICE raids
Speed Read The court paused a federal judge's order barring agents from detaining suspected undocumented immigrants in LA based on race
-
South Korea to fetch workers detained in Georgia raid
Speed Read More than 300 South Korean workers detained in an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant will be released
-
Why are Trump's health rumors about more than just presidential fitness?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Extended absences and unexplained bruises have raised concerns about both his well-being and his administration's transparency
-
DC sues Trump to end Guard 'occupation'
Speed Read D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb argues that the unsolicited military presence violates the law
-
RFK Jr. faces bipartisan heat in Senate hearing
Speed Read The health secretary defended his leadership amid CDC turmoil and deflected questions about the restricted availability of vaccines
-
White House defends boat strike as legal doubts mount
Speed Read Experts say there was no legal justification for killing 11 alleged drug-traffickers
-
Epstein accusers urge full file release, hint at own list
speed read A rally was organized by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who are hoping to force a vote on their Epstein Files Transparency Act