Democrats Disagree Over Relationship with Saudi Arabia

US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)
US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)
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Democrats Disagree Over Relationship with Saudi Arabia

US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)
US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)

US Democratic Representatives have tackled the Saudi-US relationship, with Representative Adam Smith warning against launching vague and incomprehensible threats against Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said President Joe Biden is willing to begin reevaluating the US-Saudi ties after the Kingdom and its oil-exporting allies announced production cuts of two million barrels per day.

In statements to CNN, Smith stressed that it is necessary to understand how Saudi Arabia views the situation in Yemen, and Saudi officials felt that the US did not help them while they were being attacked.

He criticized the vague statements on the reassessment of US relations with Saudi Arabia, saying some are demanding a freeze, which he does not understand.

Smith was referring to the statements of the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Menendez, who demanded a freeze of cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including arms sales.

He criticized the statements of Menendez - who is also a Democrat - saying they have no clear definition of the meaning of the freeze in relations, adding that suspension of arms sales would allow Saudi Arabia to have closer relationships with Russia and China.

Smith explained that if the US suspended the arms deal with Saudi Arabia, it would buy weapons from other countries, such as Russia and China, warning that Beijing might seize the opportunity to enter the largest market in the Middle East, which would constitute a big challenge for Washington.

In another interview with CNN, Kirby said about Saudi Arabia that “the President has been very clear that this is a relationship that the US needs to continue to reevaluate.”

"I think that is where he is, and he is willing to work with Congress to think through what that relationship ought to look like going forward," he said.

US observers described the Biden administration as "blundering," noting that it tries to escape crises by blaming other parties.

They indicated that Biden previously blamed the Russian President and the Russian-Ukrainian war for the rise in oil prices last summer, and now he blames Saudi Arabia.

They believe Biden is trying to deflect attention from criticism of his economic policies and push a massive financial aid package in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to the student debt relief, bringing the national debt to unprecedented levels, surpassing $31 trillion.



Saudi Arabia Opens New Emergency Camp in Gaza for Families Displaced by Storms

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) established a new emergency camp in central Gaza Strip providing shelter for hundreds of recently displaced families. (SPA)
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) established a new emergency camp in central Gaza Strip providing shelter for hundreds of recently displaced families. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Opens New Emergency Camp in Gaza for Families Displaced by Storms

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) established a new emergency camp in central Gaza Strip providing shelter for hundreds of recently displaced families. (SPA)
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) established a new emergency camp in central Gaza Strip providing shelter for hundreds of recently displaced families. (SPA)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) established a new emergency camp in the central Gaza Strip, providing immediate shelter with more than 250 tents for hundreds of recently displaced families. The move is part of the ongoing Saudi fundraising campaign to aid the Palestinian people.

Overseen by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s implementing partner, the camp was fast-tracked to support families whose temporary shelters were destroyed by recent severe weather, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Field reports indicate that heavy storms and flooding have decimated hundreds of tents across the region, significantly worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis.

Affected families expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing the aid as a "lifeline" that restored a sense of security. Families noted that the new shelters have provided vital protection against the harsh winter conditions and volatile weather that had previously left them exposed during an arduous period of hardship.

This initiative is a continuation of the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian people. By providing essential relief and high-quality shelter, KSrelief aims to alleviate the suffering of families facing unprecedented humanitarian challenges.


GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Saturday the US decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act.

"This move represents a positive development that supports ongoing efforts to restore stability and improve the humanitarian and economic conditions in Syria," Albudaiwi said in a statement.

The decision will foster a more conducive environment for economic recovery and reopen Syria’s economic and investment sectors to regional and international cooperation, he said.

It will also facilitate the delivery of essential services to the Syrian people, serve the interests of the region's peoples and enhance security and stability, Albudaiwi added.

He reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and underscored the Council’s commitment to standing by the Syrian people in their aspirations for a future characterized by security, stability, and sustainable development.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of his country’s success in organizing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques conveyed to the Emir his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Tamim and conveyed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success and to the government and people of Qatar steady progress and prosperity