US President Joe Biden traveled to Saudi Arabia in July 2022 and met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, despite vowing to make the kingdom an international 'pariah' following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Photo: Bandar AL-JALOUD / Saudi Royal Palace/AFP/FileSource: AFPPresident Joe Biden is to "re-evaluate" the US relationship with Riyadh, the White House said Tuesday, after a Saudi-led coalition of oil-producing nations sided with Russia to slash output. The partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia was sealed after World War II, providing the kingdom with military protection in exchange for American access to oil. Continuing the rapprochement, Biden's State Department announced in August that Saudi Arabia would buy 300 Patriot MIM-104E missile systems, which can be used to bring down at long-range incoming ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as attacking aircraft. Saudi Arabia has faced recent rocket threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been supplied with Iranian equipment and technology.

Source: Daily Nation October 11, 2022 20:06 UTC