Observers see this as a further step to strengthen their own power and silence criticism. His rise to the top of Saudi power was not without criticism. Although he never lived long outside the deeply religious kingdom, MBS initiated reforms that would open his country to the West.
But for this to happen, the religious order that condemns women to a life of darkness must be loosened. These reforms quickly made MBS a welcome state guest in the West. However, internally, these reforms met resistance, especially from conservative groups. But there is also criticism of bin Salman’s reforms among progressive forces in the country. While this is a good first step, it is far from enough.
MBS took firm action against these two groups. But only with the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 did it become apparent to the West how brutal the crown prince would be against anyone who dared to criticize him and his leadership style.
Although MBS was shunned on the international stage by Western leaders in response to the killing, behind the scenes Saudi Arabia remained an important ally and business partner of the West in the Middle East. At the same time, the country has increasingly succeeded in developing into an important venue for all kinds of sporting events. With large sums of money and on bin Salman’s instructions, the country lured international stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Arabian football league. The country will host the World Cup for the first time in 2034.
Trump announced before Tuesday’s meeting that he would try to persuade Riyadh to join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel. “The Abraham Accords will be part of what we will talk about,” the US president said recently. He added: “I hope Saudi Arabia will join this agreement in the near future.” Negotiations during the administration of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, reportedly made progress when Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 2023 ended those efforts.
