https://arab.news/8tv6x
The assumption that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington last week was mainly about dealing with regional shifts is an exaggerated one. What is reasonable to say is that it was the most significant visit in decades because it elevated the relationship between the two countries to a new level.
It was strengthened by the strategic defense agreement and the US’ sale of advanced weaponry that will make Saudi Arabia a deeper ally than before. Washington also backed the crown prince’s project to transform the Kingdom into an advanced global technology and economic hub, while the two governments signed a nuclear cooperation agreement that lays the groundwork for a partnership that will stretch for decades.
What about the joint strategic defense agreement? It is more valuable than building a 1 million-soldier army when it comes to deterrence. But if countries that have defense treaties with the US rarely need to activate them, then what is their real value? The agreement that was signed is not primarily meant to be used in response to any attack. More importantly, it is meant to prevent the very idea of an attack forming in the first place.
The crown prince did not go to Washington during a war or while facing threats that would force him to offer concessions
