OUR MAN IN RIYADH

[Draggingtree]

Chronicles Magazine

OUR MAN IN RIYADH

By Andrew J. Bacevich | November 29, 2018

By:Andrew J. Bacevich | November 29, 2018

Abizaid of Arabia

What does President Trump’s recent nomination of retired Army General John Abizaid to become the next U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia signify? Next to nothing—and arguably quite a lot.

Abizaid’s proposed appointment is both a non-event and an opportunity not to be wasted. It means next to nothing in this sense: while once upon a time, American diplomats abroad wielded real clout—Benjamin Franklin and John Quincy Adams offer prominent examples—that time is long past. Should he receive Senate confirmation, Ambassador Abizaid will not actually shape U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia. At most, he will convey policy, while keeping officials back in Washington apprised regarding conditions in the Kingdom. “Conditions” in this context will mean the opinions, attitudes, whims, and mood of one particular individual: Mohammed bin Salman. MbS, as he is known, is the Saudi crown prince and the Kingdom’s de facto absolute ruler.    

[Valin]

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Now that phrase “Long War” is one that presidents, national security advisors, defense secretaries, and their minions assiduously avoid.

They should not avoid it! Whether we like it or not, that is just what we are in. I'm talking Decades.

[Valin]

Draggingtree

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With MBS in charge, is Saudi Arabia part of the solution or part of the problem?

 

The answer is Yes! In foreign affairs you Very rarely see White hats & Black hats, more often than not it Gray hats.

The question to be asked is if/when Mohammed bin Salman goes away, Who replaces him? This is a variation on my 3 Small Simple Questions.