"Revisiting U.S.-Saudi Relations: The Controversies Surrounding Presidential Visits and Calls for Justice"
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"Revisiting U.S.-Saudi Relations: The Controversies Surrounding Presidential Visits and Calls for Justice"
[!CDATA[When President Joe Biden visited Saudi Arabia in July 2022 to improve relations with the kingdom, critics viewed the trip as a sign of weakness and capitulation to the Saudi rulers. The visit came in the aftermath of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which had ties to Saudi Arabia. Despite the controversies surrounding the Saudi government's alleged involvement in these events, Biden's warm reception of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, known as MBS, drew criticism for appearing too friendly. Former President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia was marked by even more effusive praise for MBS, with Trump calling him an "incredible man" and expressing admiration for the kingdom. Trump's lavish compliments and business deals with Saudi Arabia, including a $600 billion investment package, were met with skepticism and disapproval from some, especially from family members of 9/11 victims and first responders who felt betrayed by the president's close ties to the Saudi regime. Terry Strada, the national chair of 9/11 Families United, criticized Trump for accepting "blood money" from Saudi-backed ventures and urged him to prioritize the declassification of intelligence materials related to Saudi Arabia's role in 9/11. Strada and others believe that revealing the truth about Saudi complicity in the attacks is essential for justice and national security. New York City firefighter Adam Lake, who was at Ground Zero on 9/11, expressed his disappointment with Trump's cozy relationship with the Saudis, questioning how the president's actions align with the promise to "Never Forget" the victims of the attacks. Robert Kobus, whose sister died in the World Trade Center on 9/11, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability regarding Saudi Arabia's past actions. While acknowledging the kingdom's historical involvement in the attacks, Kobus called for a focus on the truth and justice rather than personal animosity towards current Saudi leaders. Activist Kristen Breitweiser, a World Trade Center widow, highlighted the lack of compensation and justice for 9/11 families and criticized the U.S. intelligence community's failures in preventing the attacks. Breitweiser called for accountability from the U.S. government and emphasized the importance of seeking justice for the victims of 9/11. In conclusion, the visits of Presidents Biden and Trump to Saudi Arabia have reignited debates about the kingdom's role in the 9/11 attacks and the need for transparency and accountability. While some view the close ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia as essential for economic and strategic reasons, others, including 9/11 families and first responders, demand justice and truth regarding Saudi Arabia's alleged involvement in the attacks. The quest for accountability and compensation for the victims of 9/11 remains a pressing issue that requires attention and action from the U.S. government.]]