What's happened
President Biden hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, marking his first visit since 2018. The event reignited debate over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with U.S. intelligence concluding bin Salman approved the operation, though he denied involvement. Biden's stance and the visit's implications remain contentious.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Reconciliation or Damage Control?
The Biden administration’s decision to host bin Salman signals a pragmatic approach to Saudi-U.S. relations, prioritizing regional stability and economic interests over human rights concerns. The visit underscores the complex balancing act between diplomatic engagement and accountability.
Public and Political Repercussions
While Biden’s meeting aims to reinforce alliances, it risks alienating human rights advocates and domestic critics who view the Khashoggi case as a grave violation. The administration’s stance may embolden bin Salman’s image as a pragmatic leader, but it complicates U.S. moral authority.
Future Implications
This encounter could set a precedent for how the U.S. handles controversial foreign leaders. It suggests that strategic interests may outweigh human rights issues, potentially impacting U.S. credibility on global human rights advocacy. The long-term effect will depend on subsequent policy actions and public perception.
What the papers say
The Japan Times highlights the significance of bin Salman’s first U.S. visit since 2018, emphasizing the diplomatic implications amid ongoing controversy. SBS reports President Trump’s earlier defense of bin Salman, claiming he knew nothing about Khashoggi’s murder and dismissing the incident as 'things happen,' contrasting with U.S. intelligence conclusions. The Mirror provides a detailed account of Trump’s dismissive remarks and bin Salman’s expressed pain over the incident, illustrating the divergence in official narratives and diplomatic approaches. These contrasting perspectives reveal the tension between diplomatic pragmatism and human rights accountability, shaping the broader narrative around the visit.
How we got here
In 2018, journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the operation, though he denied ordering it. The incident caused global outrage and strained U.S.-Saudi relations. Bin Salman’s visit to the U.S. in 2025 is his first since the killing, aiming to improve diplomatic ties amid ongoing controversy.
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Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, colloquially known as MBS, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He is currently serving as the country's deputy prime minister and is also Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, Chairman of
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Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi Arabian dissident, author, columnist for The Washington Post, and a general manager and editor-in-chief of Al-Arab News Channel who was assassinated at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018 by agents of the Sa
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