Biden looks to secure oil production with the Middle East as the U.S. and Europe introduce Russian-oil boycotts amid its invasion in Ukraine. That of the Obama White House to include Domestic Policy Council Director Susan Rice, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and NSC Adviser Jake Sullivan. The president has also said he would revert to policies held by the previous Democratic administration.
Biden later frustrated members of his own party with a November decision to sell $650 million in defensive aid to the Saudi government as it continues to get pummeled by Houthi forces. The administration justified its move by saying it will continue to prioritize human rights while working with important partners in the region.
But some foreign policy experts have argued that the tumultuous U.S. relationship with the Gulf states is rooted in decisions made during the Obama administration when then-National Security Advisor Susan Rice prioritized human rights over geopolitical ties.
BLINKEN DOWNPLAYS REPORTS OF SAUDI, UAE DISTRUST OF BIDEN ”There’s an element of where there’s smoke there’s fire,” Rubin said in an interview. “The Saudis wouldn’t be the first to complain about Susan Rice. ”Rubin argued that while several of Rice’s decisions in the Middle East put a bad taste in the mouth of Gulf nations,” I don’t think it can be nailed to just one person.”
“You’ve got a situation where progressives may want to apply pressure to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh because of human rights violations, but they really need to take a step back and consider whether we would be throwing out the baby with the bathwater,” Rubin added. “Because if we force the Saudis and the Emirates into the arms of Beijing, it’s going to be a lot harder advocating for human rights than it is now.” Said in an interview.
Published By : VATSAL KOTHA
Edited By : KRITIKA KASHYAP
