Global FREAKOUT – We’re Selling Weapons To THEM!?

At a Glance

United States resumes sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia.
Decision follows three-year restriction due to human rights concerns.
Part of U.S. strategy to gain Saudi normalization of relations with Israel.
Significant backlash from human rights organizations.

Weapons Sales Resume Despite Human Rights Concerns

This month, the United States resumed selling offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, lifting a three-year restriction imposed due to human rights violations in Yemen. The restriction aimed to curb Saudi airstrikes that resulted in thousands of civilian casualties. The U.S. State Department will manage these sales and ensure proper congressional notification and consultation.

This move contradicts President Joe Biden’s initial pledge to prioritize human rights in dealings with Saudi Arabia. The President had vowed to limit arms sales to defensive weaponry and treat Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a “pariah.”

The Trump administration brokered the Abraham Accords, leading to several Arab states normalizing relations with Israel. The current administration’s decision on arms sales seeks to continue this momentum and counterbalance Iran’s influence. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been negotiating a package of incentives for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel, including security guarantees and potentially a civilian nuclear deal.

US to resume sales of 'offensive' weapons to Saudi Arabiahttps://t.co/0zlDdHkM6d

— Voice of America (@VOANews) August 13, 2024

Global Diplomacy and Regional Implications

Saudi Arabia is a key strategic partner for the United States, especially in terms of countering Iranian influence in the region. The move to resume offensive arms sales aligns with broader geopolitical strategies. The administrations of the U.S., Britain, and Israel have conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, while Saudi Arabia has maintained minimal direct involvement since the 2022 UN-brokered truce.

This decision has drawn significant backlash from human rights organizations and advocacy groups, who argue that it undercuts global human rights standards. Criticism also stemmed from Representative Joaquin Castro, who pointed to Saudi Arabia’s dismal record on human rights.

The Future of U.S.-Saudi Relations

As part of the resumed sales, the U.S. will send a $750 million bomb shipment to Saudi Arabia. This is seen as a way to push Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, a priority for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saudi Arabia’s cooperation, however, is contingent on progress towards a Palestinian state, an issue with deep public sympathy in the nation.

This move is expected to have a significant impact on diplomatic relations worldwide. While it strengthens U.S. ties with Saudi Arabia, it also raises ethical questions about whether strategic interests are being prioritized over human rights. The resumption of arms sales underscores a broader effort to counter China’s influence in the region and to neutralize Iranian threats.