【MBS Can't Sit Still Anymore】As doubts about the U.S.-Saudi alliance intensify, tensions are escalating rapidly.
Trump has nominated Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Figure 1
One of Hunt's personal social media tags is “Apache pilot,” and he said this nomination is “an unparalleled honor of a lifetime.”
Hunt served as an Army officer in combat locally and worked for two years in diplomatic liaison roles in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized his deep understanding of the strategic importance of the U.S.-Saudi partnership and the responsibilities that come with the ambassadorial role.
He noted that his immediate family has served the U.S. military for over 60 years, and both he and his siblings graduated from West Point, fought in combat, and at one point were simultaneously deployed to Iraq.
Selecting Hunt bears resemblance to choosing Defense Secretary Hegseth—both have battlefield experience and are politicians forged through military service.
When Saudi Arabia urgently needs support, Trump chooses someone familiar with the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, indicating a high diplomatic priority.
Although Trump twice refused Crown Prince MBS’s requests to strike Houthi forces, this does not mean abandoning Saudi Arabia.
The “petrodollar alliance” remains the essence of U.S.-Saudi relations; Trump’s first overseas trips during both of his presidential terms were to Saudi Arabia, second only to Israel in closeness.
Meanwhile, MBS met with Admiral Charles Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command. The two reviewed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States and discussed the latest developments.
Shortly thereafter, MBS embarked on a visit to Egypt today, set to meet with Sisi. Egypt and Saudi Arabia share mutual interests in ensuring the safe passage through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
With fires raging, it’s time to stop lounging in the palace smoking water pipes.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876351754278912/
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