Monday, July 18, 2022
He Said, He Said
Reporters were left with the challenge of who is telling the truth -- President Biden or the Saudi Arabian foreign minister. The conundrum arose from a private meeting Biden held with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Reporters asked if Biden brought up the killing of the Washington Post journalist, which US intelligence agencies said was ordered by the crown prince. Biden said he did. The foreign minister said he didn't. The lack of transparency means no one will know anytime soon what transpired, if ever. This doesn't help the perception of Biden as a waffling leader groveling to the Saudis in order to get them to pump more oil. Granted that Biden's trip to the Middle East was ostensibly to bolster relationships with Arab and Israeli leaders in a volatile region, but the American public is demanding lower gasoline prices and Biden's approval rating is partially dependent on achieving that. We will know soon enough whether he succeeded, but he will need help if he didn't. He is already seen in the eyes of the public as an ineffectual leader.
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