There was a modicum of optimism when President Biden embarked on his trip to the Middle East earlier this month.
The three day visit which saw him visit Israel and Saudi Arabia appeared to have different goals depending on who you asked. The goals were differrent if you were in the United States or in the region.
Within the United States there were copius coverage stating that the main reason for the visit was to have the Kingdom increase energy production in an attempt to reduce the price of gasoline here in the United States. (Spoiler Alert: It didn’t happen).
Members of the media here in the US were hoping that the President would say something to Prince Mohammed Bin Salman over his alleged role in the death of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Prince informed the President that he had no involvement in this killing.
However there w interesting policy deciion that was announced by the President. When the President held a conversation with the Palestinian Leader Mahmoud Abbas, the President reaffirmed his commitment towards a two state solution to reasolve the Israeli-Palestinian Issue. However no framework or plan of action regarding how the Boden Administration would implement this or even broker a summit with the Israelis was announced. So who was the real audience for this statement? The Palestinians? or the Deomcratic Base?
The President also met with the leaders of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Security in thee Gulf is a serious concern right now specifically trying to figure out will the JCPOA be brough back and the increase of violcence in Iraq.
Iran was not silent during this time. aroound the same time Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov paid a visit to Tehran as well signing several business deals.
It appears that we should continue to watch and monitor events in the Gulf Region. There are some flashpoints to could erupt and some interesting relationships being formed.
