Realpolitik: A system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.

As always, America Out Loud will bring to its readers what the fake media never brings to their attention.

On 2 October 2018, Jamal Khashoggi, a US-based journalist and critic of Saudi Arabia’s government, walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, where he was murdered.

The Western media, especially in the USA, accused Muhammad bin Salman (MBS), the de-facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, of personally ordering the assassination, which he vehemently denied.

In November 2019, candidate Joe Biden – in a departure from Obama’s policy – declared:

“I would make it very clear we were not going to, in fact, sell more weapons to them,” Biden said. “We were going to, in fact make them pay the price, and make them, in fact the pariah that they are.” Biden also said there is “very little social redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia,” In reference to Yemen, he said he would end “end the sale of material to the Saudis where they’re going in and murdering children.” 

As always in politics, talk while NOT in power is cheap; a dime a dozen, of hot air of pompous promises.

Now, as president, and reality is slapping him in the face – Biden must deal with the very Saudi government and its leader MBS – whom he very badly maligned in 2019 – whether they have redeeming characters or not. He must also navigate a series of campaign promises to cut off arms shipments.

The most important information that our readers must never forget or forgive is the fact, that Joe Biden stupidly cut off his nose to spite his face, by signing the first utterly treasonous Executive Orders to stop all oil and gas drilling in the USA and vindictively reversing all of Trump’s achievements in making the USA energy independent and secure as well as the foremost exporter of energy.

He thus instantly undermined not only America’s security in the long run but also the securities of its European and Asian allies.

Now that he and the Democrats are facing the possibility of very serious electoral defeats in both houses in November 2022 because of rampant inflation and the skyrocketing cost of petrol, Realpolitik takes center stage from any and all earlier promises, threats, and posturing.

Biden wants the Arabs, especially Saudi Arabia, to pump enough oil to stabilize or reduce the cost to Americans at the pump to save his presidency. In his twisted thinking, he could not give a damn that Arabia would be adding to the so-called pollution that he is prohibiting Americans from doing.

In the meantime, the very sagacious Muhammad bin Salman, pre-emptively visited and made billions of dollars worth of deals with Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey, all allies of the USA.

Saudi Arabia’s relations with Israel are very close for three very important reasons, although not publicly declared:

1. After 70 years, all the leaders of the Gulf states have come to the conclusion that Israel was never a threat to their survival.
2. That the ungrateful ‘Palestinians’ must not any more dictate their foreign relations policies.
3. That the foremost enemy of the Arabs is Shia Iran; the same that wants to exterminate Israel, it is thus the case of “the enemy of my enemy, is my friend.”

After all, they allow Israel’s air carrier El Al the right to cross its territory, saving it enormous costs in fuel and time, and their secret services are in an excellent relationship.

Therefore, MBS is telling Biden that when he comes groveling to Saudi Arabia, this ‘pariah’ state is the foremost economic and political power in the Gulf that cannot be either threatened, intimidated, or insulted by the USA. That Biden is dealing with an extremely vital state to America’s interests.

To assist Biden’s survival, MBS will most definitely demand that there will be Quid pro Quo such as:

1. No restrictions on military supplies needed by Saudi Arabia for self-defense.
2. The Iran talks should be terminated because they have been publicly and clearly cheating since 2015.
3. That Biden must not remove Iran’s IRGC from the list of terrorist organizations.
4. The USA, with all its allies in the Middle East – especially Israel, will never allow Iran to become a nuclear power – if military power is needed to achieve this. MBS is not interested in verbal promises. He wants concrete agreements.

In conclusion: “Commercial realpolitik has won the day.”

Image: AP