Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, President Biden invited the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to the White House, stirring a whirlwind of commentary and concern. This invitation raised eyebrows across the nation, especially given the controversial history surrounding the Crown Prince, particularly the tragic assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Some might argue that inviting a leader associated with such a dark event seems, at best, unseemly, and at worst, blatantly hypocritical. After all, Khashoggi was not just any journalist—he was a contributor to the Washington Post. Yet, the media often provides a skewed portrait, framing Khashoggi as a prominent figure akin to local heroes in journalistic circles.
Even more puzzling was the reminder that 15 of the 19 hijackers involved in the tragic events of September 11 hailed from Saudi Arabia. Americans couldn’t help but wonder about the appropriateness of such a visit, especially from a President whose administration seems keen on reconnecting with traditional allies while occasionally sidelining vital issues that weigh heavily on hearts of the nation. The invitation raised sticky questions about the ethics of fostering this kind of diplomatic relationship, particularly when the ghosts of the past feel so present.
Questions about conflict of interest swirled as observers speculated on President Biden’s family dealings with Saudi Arabia. The optics of this relationship have led many to ask: is this just diplomacy, or is there more at play here? While President Biden assured the media that he has distanced himself from family business dealings, the lingering uncertainty remains like a cloud over the Oval Office. Moreover, the presence of the Crown Prince did not sit well with families who lost loved ones on that fateful September day, laying bare the tension between historical grief and contemporary geopolitics.
President Kennedy famously said, “An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” The President has taken steps to engage with all nations based on what he sees as pragmatic needs. While some may argue the necessity of stabilizing oil prices and addressing inflation, it’s a fine line to walk. Diplomatic relations are often fraught with complexities, and one must wonder: at what cost are we willing to engage in these alliances? As oil prices fluctuate like a roller coaster, the need for stability grows, and many believe America must have a positive relationship with powerhouse nations like Saudi Arabia to keep those prices tethered.
Meanwhile, critics continue to cast light on the parallels between America’s current approach toward foreign relations and the past relationships formed post-World War II with nations such as Germany and Japan. The broad strokes of history paint a picture of adaptability—fostering alliances even with former adversaries. Perhaps Biden’s move could be considered an attempt at normalization, aiming to assure that tragedies of the past are not repeated. Yet, this serves as a reminder that diplomacy is rarely simple—a balancing act between ensuring national security and grappling with moral implications.
In a world that seems to constantly demand immediate responses to intricate situations, President Biden’s invitation of the Crown Prince undeniably brings these burgeoning realities to the forefront. With oil on the line and historical grievances simmering beneath the surface, it seems America is navigating a maze of relational complexities, attempting to secure a future that acknowledges both the past and the pressing demands of the present.
