The Biden administration is on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking treaty with Saudi Arabia that would solidify US support for defending the Gulf nation. This deal is part of a larger agreement aimed at fostering diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Israel, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
The potential treaty, named the Strategic Alliance Agreement, would require a two-thirds majority vote in the US Senate for approval. Modeled after the US-Japan security pact, it would involve the US committing to defend Saudi Arabia in the event of an attack, in exchange for access to Saudi territory and airspace to safeguard US interests and regional allies.
Furthermore, the treaty seeks to strengthen ties between Riyadh and Washington by preventing China from establishing bases in Saudi Arabia or engaging in security cooperation with the kingdom. This potential pact is part of a broader package that includes a US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement and steps towards Palestinian statehood.
Stay tuned for more updates on this historic development that could reshape Middle East politics.
Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2024