The longstanding friendship between the United States and the kingdom is in jeopardy after a decision that has pushed up the price of oil.
We recall the image of when President Biden “struck his fist” with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this summer, in a charming offensive to persuade the country to increase oil production.
However, Saudi Arabia and the other OPEC countries decided last week to cut oil production by two million barrels a day, which has led to a rise in oil prices.
The decision could strengthen Russia’s role in the war against Ukraine, when sanctions against President Vladimir Putin could become less painful.
Rising oil prices can also make US fuel prices even more expensive, which is likely unpopular to the incumbent president just before the midterm elections.
He will review the relationship with Congress
– I think the president was very clear that this is a relationship that we need to keep reevaluating, that we need to be willing to look at it again, White House press secretary John Kirby told several US media on Tuesday.
He makes no secret of the fact that this is the decision of the OPEC countries and says the president is willing to work with Congress to clarify what relationship they should now have with Saudi Arabia.
It will freeze the relationship
Although nothing has yet been decided, and the president himself has not said anything, criticism has already come from Biden’s colleagues.
– We will not give the green light for further cooperation until the kingdom reconsiders its position regarding the war in Ukraine. Enough, says the head of the Senate foreign affairs committee, Democrat Robert Menendez.
He is in favor of freezing all American cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including cooperation in armory and security, aside from what is necessary to secure American interests, he reports in an announcement.
Senate Majority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer also spoke out against the prince last week.
Collaboration for 70 years
For over 70 years, the United States and Saudi Arabia have entered into a partnership that has meant that the American defense industry has provided the country with military equipment and resources in exchange for oil deliveries from Saudi Arabia.
The fact that the kingdom is now acting in a way that Americans interpret as a statement of support for Russia could now jeopardize the longstanding friendship.
