A New Chapter in US-Saudi Relations: Business Over Ethics

In a surprising turn of events, the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, received a warm welcome during his recent visit to the United States. This visit comes seven years after a dark incident where Saudi agents, allegedly following orders, killed and dismembered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite this grim past, the focus was on business, with both leaders highlighting a massive $1 trillion investment deal. The meeting between the two leaders was filled with smiles and praise, signaling a strong bond. Trump, known for his deal-making, downplayed Khashoggi's murder, stating that the journalist was controversial and that the crown prince was not involved. This stance was a clear shift from previous administrations, which had criticized Saudi Arabia for the killing. During a press conference, Trump emphasized the economic benefits of the deal, claiming it would create numerous jobs. The crown prince, smiling throughout, agreed, mentioning the increasing opportunities. The event was grand, with military jets flying overhead and a marine band playing, showcasing the strengthened ties between the two nations.However, not everyone is on board with this new alliance. Traditional allies like Israel have raised concerns, particularly about the sale of advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. There are also worries that China could gain access to sensitive US technology through its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Behind the scenes, business deals between Trump's family and Saudi officials have raised eyebrows. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has received significant investments from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Despite this, Trump maintains that his family's business dealings do not influence his decisions. Amidst all this, Khashoggi's widow spoke out, expressing her pain and demanding justice for her husband's murder. Her plea for the return of her husband's body and the continuation of the investigation highlighted the human cost often overshadowed by political and economic interests.