President Joe Biden answered questions about his potential visit to Saudi Arabia. Biden said that a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) would be about Israeli security, not energy. While Axios reported the trip would come in mid-July, Biden did not commit to making the trip.
Speaking with reporters outside of Air Force One on Sunday, Biden said, "It happens to be a larger meeting taking place in Saudi Arabia. That’s the reason I’m going. And it has to do with national security for them – for Israelis." He continued, "I have a program, anyway. It has to do with much larger issues than having to do with the energy price."
The President did not commit to making the trip. Biden replied, "No. Not yet," to a question about finalizing the planned visit. However, Axios reported speaking with three Israeli officials who said Biden would be in Israel on July 14 and 15 before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Biden has met heavy criticism for his planned meeting with MbS. As a candidate, Biden pledged to make Saudi Arabia a "pariah" state and hold MbS accountable for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Since taking office, Biden has continued to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia and aid the country’s war in Yemen.
When the White House first floated the idea of a meeting between Biden and MbS in March, oil production was at the top of the agenda. The proposed visit was met with objections from progressive Democrats and Republicans. Biden may now be attempting to downplay discussions with MbS about energy policy to reduce criticism.
Kyle Anzalone is the opinion editor of Antiwar.com, news editor of the Libertarian Institute, and co-host of Conflicts of Interest.
Love the Biden statement, “It has to do with much larger issues than having to do with the energy price.” — wow, our gas price here in California Bay Area is now in $7 range, up from $6 last week. Let’s see — so $1 more/per week means 7+24 by 2023? $31? Well, in Europe now it’s about $20 I think.
The most important issue by which he is bound by constitution is Israel’s interest.Don’t blame him for discharging his constitutional obligations
What a surprise. Israel, and ONE dead Saudi citizen-journalist are all that interests the USA!!!
Simplicity at its best…
Saudi Arabia, Israel, what’s the difference? MBS at least had a personal (family betrayal) against Khashoggi, killing Shireen Abu Akleh was Zionist policy, but exploding her face was apparently at Naftali’s pleasure.
It’s like Naftali Bennett says, “I’ve killed many Arabs in my life, and there’s no problem with that.”
https://www.jpost.com/diplomacy-and-politics/bennett-under-fire-for-comments-about-killing-arabs-321467
It’s a bit simplistic but consider the source…
Biden goes to SA to make sure Israel can continue violating the so called “international law” (whatever that means) by committing war crimes in Palestine and assassinating Iranian scientists with impunity.
I think he calls it his ‘policy’…
Lunch bucket Joe has his priorities straight, especially when it comes to Israel. He knows whose @$$es to kiss. As for the rest of us our ruling class could give a damn less.
Joe has to be careful that his tongue doesn’t get stuck in the cracks…
I believe Biden on this.
I believe him when he says he is neglecting our own problems and needs.
I believe him when he says he means only to serve Israel.
I believe him when he says he will try to start another war, this time with Iran, and further run up oil prices by wrecking Gulf oil supply too.
Very altruistic!
Uncle Joe seems to know, which side his bread is buttered on…
every politico does
“Politicians” (definition):
People who can’t get real jobs.
Biden is incredibly incompetent, slow and is going to sink Democratic party. The latest news is US nuclear reactors are dependent on Russian nuclear fuel. Utility companies are planning blackout as they could run out of nuclear fuel by the end of the year. But, Biden hasn’t heard anything about it, so he thinks all is well.
!!!
Hi Fargo
ByeDone already HAS sunk the Democratic Party. Seats in congress will fall like dominoes this fall.
I predict that Mike Pence will be elected president in ‘24, because the Dems wouldn’t even consider running someone competent like Bernie.
Procurer for Israel. President of what is called U S of A takes oath in the name of Israel. He is gong to Saudi to his most important constitutional priority
Would not want to offend the chooser of peoples….!!!!!
“The President did not commit to making the trip. Biden replied, “No. Not yet,” to a question about finalizing the planned visit. However, Axios reported speaking with three Israeli officials who said Biden would be in Israel on July 14 and 15 before traveling to Saudi Arabia.”
July 14th and 15th it is. When in question ask those who set the agenda.
So Biden is justifying his pandering to one murderous regime he said he wouldn’t pander to by saying he’s also pandering to another murderous regime he’s always said he would pander to, but that’s OK because the high gas prices Americans are actually concerned about isn’t a very significant part of his pandering. Just to clarify that. We could be in a nuclear war at any moment.
remember when arabs and israelis were mortal enemies.
Still are. As long as the bribes continue. Iran could be bought too but what profit would peace produce for the MIC?
Biden is going to SA to convince Saudis to let Israel fly and refuel their jets in their territories on a return trip from a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities…!
Disturbing if true, and there’s no love lost between SA and Iran.
But it should be about gas prices; not Israel. Is Biden President of Israel?
No Chris, Bennet is president of Amerikkka.
Yes, the visit is all about security and protecting countries against journalists.
Journalists are a clear and present danger to many regimes
Israel and Saudi Arabia just murder journalists … well the US does too but not as often. Perhaps Biden has a more “woke” solution to share with his bosom allies like interring them at Gitmo
Of course it’s about IsraHell! What the f*ck isn’t?
So, when Biden travels all the way to Saudi Arabia and meets with the Saudi Crown Prince and the subject of oil comes up (as it holds 17 percent of the world’s oil reserves), Biden is going to be like, “hey dude, I’m not here to talk about that”…okay.
What?!! Is he trying to bomb the Dems chances in 2022? Gas prices a big issue for many
“Biden says Saudi visit about Israel, not gas prices. ”
So it’s about kissing BOTH Israeli ass AND Saudi ass.