Saudi Arabia is learning the hard way: they can’t count on Trump for protection

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been unable to get President Donald Trump to join the fight against Yemen's Houthi militia, despite years spent courting the White House with money and arms purchases. Opinion writer Mohamad Bazzi argues that the episode shows Gulf states cannot assume Washington will shield them, according to The Guardian.

The Houthis, who are allied with Iran, stepped up strikes on Saudi territory and on Yemeni forces aligned with the kingdom after Trump's war on Iran revived the old conflict over the summer. In September the prince phoned Trump repeatedly to request American airstrikes. Trump has declined so far. After a 10 October cruise missile hit Riyadh's airport, leaving at least 13 dead and more than 300 injured, he told reporters only that a decision would come once the administration had studied the matter.

Bazzi notes that Saudi money has flowed to Jared Kushner's private equity firm and the Trump Organization. Trump appears wary of a war that is unpopular at home, with US inflation at 3.7% in September ahead of next month's midterms. Bazzi suggests pressure to intervene could grow after the elections, and that Riyadh might threaten to withhold investment.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at The Guardian →