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 Says Destroyed 3 Ballistic Missiles Fired Towards Riyadh, Eastern Region

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Says Destroyed 3 Ballistic Missiles Fired Towards Riyadh, Eastern Region

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki stated Thursday that air defenses intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh.

Saudi air defenses also intercepted and destroyed a missile targeting the Eastern Region.

Saudi civil defense had earlier issued warnings for "potential danger" in Riyadh, Kharj and the southern city of Najran that were lifted shortly afterwards.


Saudi, Yemeni FMs Discuss Houthi Attacks and Support for Yemeni Government

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, Yemeni FMs Discuss Houthi Attacks and Support for Yemeni Government

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba.

They reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest developments in Yemen, including the terrorist Houthi militia's continued attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

They further discussed efforts to support the Yemeni government in carrying out its duties to strengthen security and stability and ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.


King Salman Appoints Al-Maiouf Deputy Head of Board of Grievances

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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King Salman Appoints Al-Maiouf Deputy Head of Board of Grievances

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has issued a royal decree appointing Sheikh Abdulmohsen Al-Maiouf as deputy head of the Board of Grievances for judicial affairs.

Dr. Al-Maiouf is a distinguished judicial and administrative figure with academic qualifications and extensive experience. He holds a doctorate degree in Islamic jurisprudence and comparative law.

Al-Maiouf has advanced through various positions within the Board of Grievances, serving in administrative and commercial departments and administrative appeals courts before eventually assuming the presidency of the Technical Affairs Office.

He has also served on numerous supervisory and governmental committees. He made outstanding contributions in the field of reviewing draft laws, regulations, and agreements, and participated in legal conferences and forums at both the Saudi and international levels.