Commentaries And Analysis On The Growing Ties Between Israel And Saudi Arabia

Prince Turki Al Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief, with Efraim Halevy, a former Israeli Mossad director with others at the Temple Emanu-El Strieicker Center in New York City on October 22, 2017 [James Reinl/Al Jazeera]

Jonathan Marcus, BBC: Israel and Saudi Arabia: What's shaping the covert 'alliance'

To all intents and purposes, Saudi Arabia and Israel are de facto allies in the struggle against Iran's rising influence in the region. It's a developing, but highly sensitive relationship, but every so often there is a hint of what may be going on beneath the surface.

Last week Israel's Chief of Staff, General Gadi Eisenkot, said in an interview with UK-based Saudi newspaper Elaph, that Israel was ready to exchange intelligence with the Saudis in order to confront Iran.

"There are shared interests and as far as the Iranian axis is concerned we are in full accord with the Saudis," he said.

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WNU Editor: The Iranians are bringing about some interesting alliances .... Iran Sees Its Rivals Uniting as Israel Talks Up Saudi Ties (Bloomberg)

Commentaries And Analysis On The Growing Israeli - Saudi Arabian Ties

More Evidence Saudi Arabia Is Warming to Israel -- Elliott Abrams, Newsweek
What is behind the covert Israeli-Saudi relations? -- Linah Alsaafin, Al Jazeera
Sadat to Salman: Israel at the expense of Palestine -- Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera
The Saudi-Israeli relationship status remains unchanged -- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Jew-hating Founder Would Be Shocked by His Kingdom's Public Flirtation With Israel -- Seraj Assi, Haaretz

Saudi Crown Prince Salman Is Making U.S. Officials Nervous

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gestures during a military parade. (photo credit:SAUDI PRESS AGENCY/REUTERS)

Al Jazeera: US official: Crown Prince Salman 'behaving recklessly'

US officials have expressed "growing alarm" at the moves made recently by Saudi Arabia's crown prince saying they could "damage US interests", the New York Times reported.

US diplomats along with officials from the Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency say Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "is behaving recklessly without sufficient consideration to the likely consequences of his behaviour", the Times quoted an unidentified State Department official as saying on Tuesday.

Crown Prince Salman, 32, also known by his initials MBS, has quickly consolidated power after being named next in line for the thrown by his father, King Salman, last June.

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Update: The Upstart Saudi Prince Who's Throwing Caution to the Winds (New York Times)

WNU Editor: A number of top Saudi leaders with close ties to Washington have been arrested since the start of this crackdown. So the disappearance of these officials has (obviously) unnerved some in Washington. My advice .... time to find new friends and people to work with.

President Trump On Saudi Arabia's Crackdown On Corruption: "Some Have Been Milking Their Country For Years"

....Some of those they are harshly treating have been “milking” their country for years!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2017

Bloomberg: Trump Backs Saudi Crackdown After Arrests of Princes, Executives

* ‘I have great confidence’ in king, crown prince, Trump says
* Saudi attorney general says defendants to have open trials

President Donald Trump vouched for Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince after the weekend arrests of princes, businessmen and officials in an anti-corruption drive that has rattled the kingdom and shocked investors.

“I have great confidence in King Salman and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, they know exactly what they are doing,” Trump said in a tweet Tuesday morning from Japan.

In all, 11 princes -- including Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world’s richest men -- four ministers and dozens of former ministers and well-known businessmen were taken into custody, according to Saudi media and a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

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More News On President Trump Tweeting His Support On Saudi Arabia's Crackdown On Corruption

Trump voices 'great confidence' in Saudi Arabia amid royal purge -- The Hill
Trump tweets approval of Saudi Arabian arrests -- CBS
Trump tweets his support for the massive upheaval in Saudi Arabia, says those arrested have been 'milking' the country for years -- Business Insider
The Saudi Royal Purge—with Trump’s Consent -- Robin Wright, The New Yorker

U.S. Approves $15bn Sale Of Anti-Missile THAAD System To Saudi Arabia

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency/Handout via Reuters/File Photo

Reuters: U.S. approves possible $15 billion sale of THAAD missiles to Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of a THAAD anti-missile defense system to Saudi Arabia at an estimated cost of $15 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday, in a statement citing Iran among regional threats.

Saudi Arabia asked to purchase 44 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers and 360 missiles, as well as fire control stations and radars.

“This sale furthers U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, and supports the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of Iranian and other regional threats,” the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation agency said in a statement.

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WNU Editor: It looks like the Saudis are on a buying spree .... Saudi Dropping Billions on US and Russian Military Hardware (Foreign Policy).

More News On The U.S. Approving A $15bn Anti-Missile THAAD System Sale To Saudi Arabia

Thaad: US to sell $15bn missile defence to Saudi Arabia -- BBC News
US to sell $15 bn THAAD missile defense to Saudi Arabia -- AFP
State Dept. approves $15B missile defense sale to Saudi Arabia -- The Hill
US Approves $15 Billion Thaad Missile Package for Saudi Arabia -- Bloomberg
US agrees to sell THAAD missile defence to Saudi Arabia -- Aljazeera
US approves $15 billion THAAD missile defense sale to Saudi Arabia -- The Independent

Saudi Arabia's Decision To Buy Russia's S-400 Defense System Is Rocking Washington

President Trump and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Colin Clark, Breaking Defense: Saudis Rock US Alliance, Say They’ll Buy Russia’s Top Plane Killer, S-400

WASHINGTON: That rumble under your feet you sensed this morning was the earthquake caused by the decision of one of America’s closest allies, Saudis Arabia, to join Turkey in buying Russia’s vaunted S-400 surface to air missile system.

The announcement carried extra diplomatic weight as Saudi King Salman was visiting Russia when the Saudis made the announcement.

Former NATO and European Command leader, retired Adm. James Stavridis, called the sale “a step backwards in US foreign and defense policy.” Since World War II, when President Roosevelt agreed with King Faisal that we would guarantee Saudi sovereignty in return for access to their oil, the kingdom has been one of our closest allies, notwithstanding the 911 attacks led by Saudi citizens.

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WNU Editor: I was surprised when I first read this news on Russian websites yesterday touting the deal. I thought the article was wrong and/or an exaggeration on what Russia's defense industry was hoping for .... and that this was not an actual sale. Talk about everyone being wrong and being out of the loop .... specifically Washington. And talk about the Saudis telling the Americans and Europeans that the age where the Saudis always bought weapons from the West was now coming to an end. This should create shock waves in the U.S. military/foreign policy community .... and I do expect other À

U.S. State Department Takes A Sudden Hard Line On Saudi Arabia Over Qatar

New York Times: State Dept. Lashes Out at Gulf Countries Over Qatar Embargo

WASHINGTON — The State Department on Tuesday issued a blistering critique of Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries for enforcing a two-week embargo against Qatar without giving the tiny country any specific ways to resolve a crisis over accusations of Qatar’s funding of terrorism.

The statement seemed to put President Trump and Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson further at odds about who is to blame for the dispute, which threatens a host of American diplomatic and security priorities in the gulf.

The State Department also announced that, despite Mr. Trump’s direction that Mr. Tillerson assist in resolving the impasse, the secretary of state was all but washing his hands of it.

“Now that it has been more than two weeks since the embargo has started, we are mystified that the gulf states have not released to the public nor to the Qataris the details about the claims they are making toward Qatar,” Heather Nauert, the department’s spokeswoman, said in a news briefing.

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More News On The U.S. State Department Taking A Sudden Hard Line On Saudi Arabia Over Qatar

State Department issues unusual public warning to Saudi Arabia and UAE over Qatar rift -- Washington Post
State Department takes sudden hard line on Saudis over Qatar -- ABC News
U.S. State Department questions Gulf motives on Qatar boycott -- Reuters
State Dept. 'mystified' Gulf states haven't released details on Qatar claims -- The Hill
Tillerson Signals Impatience With Saudi-Led Allies Over Qatar -- Bloomberg
State Department: US 'mystified' by continued embargo of Qatar -- CNN
US 'mystified' over Gulf states' position towards Qatar -- Al Jazeera

U.S. Senate Narrowly Rejects Efforts To Block Saudi Arms Sales

The Hill: Senate rejects effort to block Saudi arms sale

The Senate on Tuesday narrowly rejected an effort to block part of President Trump’s $110 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia.

Senators voted 47-53 on advancing the resolution, falling short of the simple majority needed to move forward. GOP Sens. Mike Lee (Utah), Rand Paul (Ky.) Todd Young (Ind.) and Dean Heller (Nev.) voted with most Democrats to advance it.

Democratic Sens. Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Bill Nelson (Fla.), Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Mark Warner (Va.) voted against moving the measure.

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Update: Senate backs weapons sales to Saudi Arabia (Politico)

WNU Editor: This could have gone either way. But fortunately for the administration, a few Democrats crossed the aisle to save the deal .... Five Democrat Votes Allow Trump's Saudi Weapons Deal To Clear Senate (Zero Hedge).

Is Saudi Arabia Buying $110 Billion In Arms From the U.S.?

US President Donald Trump (L) and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Riyadh May 20, 2017. © Mandel Ngan / AFP

Defense News: Revealed: Trump's $110 billion weapons list for the Saudis

WASHINGTON – The administration's much touted $110 billion arms proposal to Saudi Arabia, previously slim on specifics, includes seven THAAD missile defense batteries, over 100,000 air-to-ground munitions and billions of dollars’ worth of new aircraft, according to a White House document obtained by Defense News and authenticated by a second source.

President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia on May 20 drew headlines for what was billed as a $110 billion arms agreement. However, experts quickly pointed out that much of the deal was speculative, as any arms sale has to go through the process of being cleared by the State Department, then Congress, before going through an often lengthy negotiating period with industry.

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WNU Editor: I regard this deal more as a wish list than a deal. There will be many obstacles in its path .... starting with the need to have Congressional approval on each transaction.

President Trump Signs Massive $350 Billion Arms Deal With The Saudi King

US President Donald Trump (L) and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Riyadh May 20, 2017. © Mandel Ngan / AFP

CNBC: US-Saudi Arabia seal weapons deal worth nearly $110 billion immediately, $350 billion over 10 years

The United States has sealed an arms deal to Saudi Arabia, the White House announced on Saturday, a move that solidifies its decades-long alliance with the world's largest energy producer just as President Donald Trump begins an official visit to the country.

The agreement, which is worth $350 billion over 10 years and $110 billion that will take effect immediately, was hailed by the White House as "a significant expansion of…[the] security relationship" between the two countries.

The arms package represents an enhancement of Saudi Arabia's military capabilities as tensions flare in the region, with the U.S. viewing the Saudis as a linchpin in efforts to check the global ambitions of Iran. The country, the hub of Islam's most revered sites, but is also a target of radical Islamic extremism.

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WNU Editor: This U.S. Senator thinks this is a terrible deal .... Dem senator: Trump's arms deal with Saudis a 'terrible idea' (The Hill).

More News On President Trump Signing A Massive $350 Billion Arms Deal With The Saudi King

Embattled Trump starts foreign tour with Saudi arms deal -- AFP
Trump signs $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia -- CBS
'A lot of money! Big dollars!' Trump team delivers $350 BILLION in new long-term business for U.S. companies as Saudis snap up defense equipment -- Daily Mail
U.S.-Saudi Arabia Sign More Than $110B Arms Deal Amid Trump Visit -- NBC
Trump in Saudi Arabia signs $110B arms deal with Persian Gulf ally -- FOX News
Trump signs $110B defense deal with Saudi Arabia -- The Hill
Trump, Saudi King Salman Sign a Nearly $110-Billion Defense Deal -- VOA
Trump strikes arms deal with Saudis worth $350bn, $110bn to take effect immediately -- RT

President Trump Arrives In Saudi Arabia -- News Updates May 20, 2017

Daily Mail: Trumps on tour: Donald and Melania (plus Ivanka) are greeted by the Saudi king as they land in Riyadh for his crucial first test abroad

* President touched down in Saudi Arabia after flying overnight on Air Force One to Middle Eastern state
* Saudi King presented Trump with the kingdom's top civilian honor, the gold King Abdulaziz medal
* After two days of meetings in Riyadh, during which he is set to call for Arab nations to help in the fight against ISIS, Trump will travel to Israel
* He will then have an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday
* Trump has become the only US president to make Saudi his first overseas stop

President Donald Trump has landed in Saudi Arabia as he begins his first foreign tour since taking office.

He touched down in the Middle East Saturday morning, hours after tweeting about his excitement for his first 'big foreign trip.'
Trump flew to the capital Riyadh overnight on Air Force One – becoming the only president to make Saudi Arabia, or any majority Muslim country, his first stop overseas as president.

His arrival following a 6,700-mile flight was met with the pomp usually reserved for the likes of a Papal welcome in South America.
The president got the red carpet treatment – literally – and some airport workers took off their shoes before manicuring it with brooms in 97-degree heat.

The Saudi King later presented Trump with the kingdom's top civilian honor, the gold King Abdulaziz medal, at the royal court.

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WNU Editor: First impressions .... the Saudis are going out of their way to impress President Trump.

President Trump Arrives In Saudi Arabia -- News Updates May 20, 2017

Trump receives regal welcome in Saudi Arabia -- AP
Under fire at home, Trump wins warm welcome in Saudi -- Reuters
Trump lands in Riyadh on first leg of foreign tour -- AFP
Trump gets elaborate welcome in Saudi Arabia as he begins first foreign trip -- Washington Post
Donald Trump Lands in Saudi Arabia on First Overseas Visit of Presidency -- NBC
Trump lands in Saudi Arabia as controversies swirl at home -- CNN
Trump in Saudi Arabia: First foreign trip starts as home troubles mount -- BBC
Leaving behind troubles at home, Trump gets royal welcome in Saudi Arabia -- L.A. Times
Trump receives Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor -- The Hill
President Trump Receives Warm Welcome in Saudi Arabia -- TIME
Donald Trump touches down in Saudi Arabia as trouble swirls at home -- ABC News Online
Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia in first foreign trip -- Al Jazeera
Trump visits Saudi Arabia in first official foreign trip amid Yemen & human rights controversies -- RT
Top Saudi cleric ‘blesses’ Trump-Muslim summit in Saudi Arabia -- Al Arabiya
US first lady ignores Trump criticism and shuns headscarf -- AP
Melania and Ivanka forgo head scarves in Saudi Arabia two years after Donald Trump slammed Michelle Obama for 'insulting' the Islamic country when she decided not to cover her head -- Daily Mail
What Melania Wore: First lady's Saudi style a big deal -- AFP
'Trump, servant of God': How Saudis are viewing his visit -- BBC
Saudi Arabia courts Trump -- The Hill

Saudi Arabia Lays Out The Red Carpet For President Trump

Bloomberg: Saudis Have a Red Carpet Ready for Trump, and a Steep Wish-List

* Kingdom’s leaders have hailed new era after frost with Obama
* But from Syria to Yemen, U.S. policy may not meet Saudi hopes

Saudi Arabia is putting on a show for Donald Trump on his first overseas trip as U.S. president. Muslim leaders will assemble in Riyadh, and there’ll be an exhibition of classic American cars as well as sports matches and concerts. An online clock counts down the seconds until the big day.

Behind the pageantry are high expectations that won’t be easy to meet.

Among Gulf leaders, enthusiasm for Trump -- who looks increasingly embattled at home -- is driven by the desire for a like-minded partner in the oil-rich kingdom’s struggle against Iran, its main Middle Eastern rival. That, to Saudi eyes, overrides his record of anti-Islamic rhetoric on the campaign trail, and his attempt to bar some Muslims from entering the U.S. once he took office.

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WNU Editor: The leaders from primarily 50 Sunni nations are going to be at this summit .... President Trump will definitely be having an opportunity to address a Muslim audience that U.S. Presidents rarely get the chance to do. On a side note .... while researching for this post I found that about 90% of the U.S. news articles that are out there are overwhelmingly negative about President Trump and this trip .... the foreign press .... especially from the Middle East (with the exception of Iran) are overwhelmingly positive.

More News On President Trump's Foreign Trip To The Middle East

Trump, dogged by questions at home, makes first trip abroad -- AP
Seeking a new narrative, Trump embarks on trip to Middle East and Europe -- Reuters
Saudis eye Iran and ignore Trump's temperament as red carpet rolled out -- The Guardian
Royal welcome expected for Trump in Saudi Arabia -- Washington Post
Saudi Arabia says Trump visit to bolster cooperation -- Al Jazeera
Donald Trump to deliver speech on Islam to Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia -- The Independent
Trump will speak to Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia about radical Islam -- The Hill
A Trump Doctrine for the Middle East? -- Michael Doran, NYT
Trump Saudi visit aims to build new relationship -- BBC
President Trump's First Foreign Trip Has High Stakes at Each Stop -- Jonathan Lemire, TIME/AP
A guide to all you need to know about Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia -- Arab News
President Trump's Travel Schedule Includes Stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy and Belgium -- Newsweek

U.S. And Saudi Arabia Are On The Verge Of Completing A $100 Billion Arms Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., March 14, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Reuters: U.S. nears $100 billion arms deal for Saudi Arabia: White House official

The United States is close to completing a series of arms deals for Saudi Arabia totaling more than $100 billion, a senior White House official said on Friday, a week ahead of President Donald Trump's planned visit to Riyadh.

The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the arms package could end up surpassing more than $300 billion over a decade to help Saudi Arabia boost its defensive capabilities while still maintaining U.S. ally Israel's qualitative military edge over its neighbors.

"We are in the final stages of a series of deals," the official said. The package is being developed to coincide with Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia. Trump leaves for the kingdom on May 19, the first stop on his maiden international trip.

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WNU Editor: The actual final total for this deal is closer to $300 billion .... US, Saudi Arabia in ‘final stages’ of negotiating $300 billon arms deal (Times of Israel)

More News On The U.S. And Saudi Arabia Being On The Verge Of Completing A $100 Billion Arms Deal

US nears $100bn arms deal for Saudi Arabia in time for Trump's visit -- The Guardian
US nears $100 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump's trip -- DW
U.S. Said Near $100 Billion Arms Deal With Saudis Ahead Of Trump Visit -- RFE
White House nearing $100B arms deal for Saudi Arabia -- Washington Examiner
US to sign $100 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia to boost the kingdom's defence capabilities -- International Business Times
US Close to Completing Saudi Arms Deal Worth Over $100 Billion -- Al Bawaba

Saudi Arabia Wants To Buy Billions In U.S. Arms

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., March 14, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

Reuters: Exclusive: Saudi Arabia, U.S. in talks on billions in arms sales - U.S. sources

Washington is working to push through contracts for tens of billions of dollars in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, some new, others in the pipeline, ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to the kingdom this month, people familiar with the talks told Reuters this week.

Saudi Arabia is Trump's first stop on his maiden international trip, a sign of his intent to reinforce ties with a top regional ally.

The United States has been the main supplier for most Saudi military needs, from F-15 fighter jets to command and control systems worth tens of billions of dollars in recent years. Trump has vowed to stimulate the U.S. economy by boosting manufacturing jobs.

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WNU Editor: The war in Yemen is costing Saudi Arabia dearly .... and I suspect that they are also worried about Iran.

Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Meets With President Trump

Reuters: Trump meets with Saudi deputy crown prince at the White House

President Donald Trump met with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday for a discussion likely to touch on economic relations and efforts to stop the war in Syria.

Trump, who took office in January, and Prince Mohammed, who is also the kingdom's defense minister, kicked off their talks in the Oval Office, where they posed for a picture in front of journalists and did not take questions.

The meeting was the first since Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration with the prince, who is leading the kingdom's efforts to revive state finances by diversifying the economy away from a reliance on falling crude oil revenues.

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Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Meets With President Trump

Trump Meets Saudi Prince as U.S. and Kingdom Seek Warmer Relations -- New York Times
Trump meets top Saudi prince as Yemen war rages -- AFP
Trump Meets with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince -- VOA
Trump meets with Saudi prince seeking stronger alliance on terrorism, Iran, economy -- Washington Times
Trump holds his first White House meeting with Arab Muslim leader as he dines with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – and invites Ivanka's Egypt-born advisor -- Daily Mail
Saudi deputy crown prince meets with Trump -- Al Arabiya
Trump meets with Saudi prince -- USA Today
Saudi Prince Visits President Trump To Build New Friendship -- Forbes

Trump Administration To Resume Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia

The Independent: Donald Trump's State Department approves Saudi Arabia weapons sales blocked by Barack Obama

Deal was previously blocked over concerns of human rights violations

The State Department has approved resuming arms sales to Saudi Arabia previously blocked by Barack Obama.

A multi-million dollar technology for Riyadh was blocked by the former President during the final months of his administration over human rights concerns.

Saudi Arabia is leading a mostly Arab coalition targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen with air strikes.

An annual report by UN experts who monitor the conflict in Yemen, seen by Reuters, said the Saudi-led coalition had carried out attacks that "may amount to war crimes" — accusations Riyadh rejects.

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More News On The Trump Administration Wanting To Resume Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia

Trump administration looks to resume arms sale to Saudi Arabia -- CBS
Trump administration looks to resume Saudi arms sale criticized as endangering civilians in Yemen -- Washington Post
Congress prepares for another showdown over Saudi arms sales -- Al-Monitor
Trump team en route to resuming arms sale to Saudi Arabia -- Arab News

CIA Gives Medal To Saudi Crown Prince For His Role In Fighting Terrorism

The medal, named after George Tenet, was handed to him by CIA Director Micheal Pompeo after the Crown Prince received him in Riyadh. (SPA)

Al Arabiya: CIA honors Saudi Crown Prince for efforts against terrorism

The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, received a medal on Friday from the CIA for his distinct intelligence-related counter-terrorism work and his contributions to ensure international peace and security.

The medal, named after George Tenet, was handed to him by CIA Director Micheal Pompeo after the Crown Prince received him in Riyadh on Friday in the presence of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman al-Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

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WNU Editor: Sorry ..... when I think of all the radical groups that Saudi Arabia supported over the years .... directly or indirectly .... in my book no Saudi official should be honoured in such a manner.

The U.S. And Saudi Arabia Are Playing Down Reports That U.S. Military Aid Is Being 'Curbed"

Saudi King Salman (R) meets with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 18, 2016. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS

Reuters: Saudi Arabia, U.S. play down reports of curbs on military support

Saudi Arabia and the United States on Sunday played down media reports that Washington had decided to limit military support, including planned arms sales to the kingdom, over its war in Yemen.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said that Riyadh had not been officially informed of such decisions, which he described as contradicting the reality, while visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry suggested the issue related more to a long procurement process than restrictions on military support.

U.S. officials have said Washington decided to curb backing for Saudi Arabia's campaign in Yemen, including halting the supply of some precision-guided munitions, because of concerns over widespread civilian casualties.

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Update: Saudi official denies reports US has decided to restrict military support (The Guardian)

WNU Editor: It looks like the Yemen war is not going as well as "advertised" .... U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry meets Saudi King Salman to discuss Yemen war in what is likely to be his last visit as America's top diplomat (Daily Mail). The Saudis are also probably wanting to know what (from Secretary of State John Kerry's point of view) will the incoming Trump administration policy will be towards Saudi Arabia, the Yemen war, and other issues.

Citing Civilian Deaths In Yemen U.S. Halts Sale Of Some Arms To Saudi Arabia

Reuters: U.S. to halt some arms sales to Saudi, citing civilian deaths in Yemen campaign

The United States has decided to limit military support to Saudi Arabia's campaign in Yemen because of concerns over widespread civilian casualties and will halt a planned arms sale to the kingdom, U.S. officials told Reuters.

The United States will also revamp future training of the kingdom's air force to focus on improving Saudi targeting practices, a persistent source of concern for Washington.

The decision reflects deep frustration within President Barack Obama's government over Saudi Arabia's practices in Yemen's 20-month-old war, which has killed more than 10,000 people and sparked humanitarian crises, including chronic food shortages, in the poorest country in the Middle East.

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WNU Editor: This is all theater .... the arms that count will not be curtailed .... With small changes, U.S. maintains military aid to Saudi Arabia despite rebukes over Yemen carnage (Washington Post).

More News On The U.S. Halting The Sale Of Some Arms To Saudi Arabia

US Halts Some Saudi Arms Sales Over Yemen Deaths Concerns -- AP
US cancels weapons transfers to Saudi over Yemen campaign -- AFP
US halts some arms sales to Saudis over Yemen concerns -- The Hill
US Halts Sale of Some Arms to Saudi Arabia -- VOA
US halts arms transfer to Saudi Arabia over civilian casualties in Yemen -- The Telegraph
US to halt planned arms sales to Saudi Arabia over Yemen airstrikes -- The Guardian
US Weapons To Saudi Arabia: United States Limits Arms Over Yemen Human Rights Concerns -- International Business Times
US limits support to Arab coalition's Yemen campaign -- Al Jazeera

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Warns Trump On The Consequences Of Blocking Oil Imports

AFP

WNU Editor: The Saudi's are getting nervous over President-elect Trump .... Saudi Arabia warns Trump on blocking oil imports (Financial Times). My guess is that the Saudi's are "freaking out" over these comments made during the campaign .... Trump says Saudi Arabia WOULDN’T EXIST without the US and threatens to stop buying its oil (Express).

Update: Saudi Arabia Warns Trump Not To Block Oil Imports (Zero Hedge)

Top U.S. General In The Middle East Pays A Visit To Saudi Arabia To Smooth Relations

JEDDAH – Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense meets with Commander of the US Central Command Gen. Joseph Votel in Jeddah Wednesday. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries especially in the defense field. – SPA

L.A. Times: Top U.S. military commander moves to ease souring relations with Saudis

After a series of high-profile disputes between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, the nation’s top military official in the Middle East moved Monday to ease tensions in one of America’s most enduring, yet perplexing alliances.

Gen. Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. military's Central Command, began a series of one-on-one meetings with leading members of the House of Saud royal court, hoping to find common ground and clear up past grievances.

The U.S.-Saudi relationship has sharply deteriorated in recent months over a range of security-related issues and a reshuffling of the diplomatic order in the Middle East, factors that have opened a gulf of suspicion between the two nations.

"The first thing we are trying to do is listen to what they are telling us,” said Votel, who dashed from one lavish palace to the next. “It's important to maintain confidence in the relationship."

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WNU Editor: This is usually a job for the U.S. Secretary of State or the U.S. Vice President .... but I guess the White House knows that this would be just a waste of time .... that relations between the White House and the House of Saud are in the toilet, and that sending any top civilian official from the administration would not be received well .... hence sending the CENTCOM Chief.