Democrats Disagree Over Relationship with Saudi Arabia

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

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 Signs Board of Peace Founding Charter

The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA
The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia Signs Board of Peace Founding Charter

The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA
The Saudi side signing of the charter reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah signed on Thursday the founding charter of the Board of Peace in the presence of US President Donald Trump and leaders and representatives of a number of countries, welcoming the establishment of the board.

The signing took place during the board’s launch ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, SPA reported.

The foreign minister's signing of the charter comes in welcome of the peace efforts led by the US president.

It reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Board of Peace’s mission as a transitional body to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, as endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution No. 2803.

This also reflects support for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and efforts toward a just and lasting peace, paving the way for enhanced security and stability for the countries and peoples of the region.


MWL Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Afghanistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
TT

MWL Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Afghanistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned on Thursday the terrorist bombing at a restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul that left several killed and wounded, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement issued by the General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa reaffirmed the MWL’s firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism in all forms and under any pretext.

He expressed solidarity with Afghanistan in confronting all threats to its security, stability, and the safety of its people.

Al-Issa expressed the MWL’s sincere condolences to the Afghan people and the families of the victims.


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with British, French Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with British, French Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate meetings with his counterparts from the UK and France on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday.

He met with Yvette Cooper, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs where they reviewed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, as well as joint efforts to address them.

The Saudi minister also held talks with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. Discussions highlighted the latest regional developments and joint efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.