A diplomate writes
In my view, the primary objective of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia is to **extract wealth from the kingdom** through massive arms deals and investments benefiting major American corporations.
The continued U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia are, in essence, a means to **drain its financial resources under the pretext of offering protection**—a long-running strategy that can be traced back to the 1973 oil crisis. After the success of the October War, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Saudi King Faisal agreed to use oil as a political weapon, leading to a surge in oil prices from \$2 to \$12 per barrel. This shift ushered in **immense wealth for Gulf countries**.
Following the war, the United States adopted **strategic policies** to secure its position as a global superpower. Chief among them was solidifying alliances with Gulf states to ensure they never again wield oil as a weapon and to **prevent any repeat of Arab unity** like that seen between 1967 and 1973. Washington also focused on **guaranteeing Israel’s military superiority**, ensuring it would never again face defeat by Arab forces.
This marked the beginning of efforts to **replace Soviet influence** in the region—especially in Egypt—with American military cooperation, which led to a dramatic increase in U.S. arms sales. The Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) further fueled this trend, with **U.S. military presence and weapons exports surging across the region**.
Then came the Gulf War, when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The U.S. led a coalition to liberate Kuwait—funded largely by Gulf states. Post-war, **Gulf countries increasingly sought U.S. military protection**, particularly against perceived threats from Iran. This paved the way for **massive arms deals** and the expansion of **U.S. military bases**—with Saudi Arabia playing a central role.
Trump’s first term saw him **secure a record-breaking arms deal** from Saudi Arabia during his official visit. The game continues to this day. What’s new this time, however, is the **slick media packaging and promotional hype** surrounding the visit.
Interestingly, according to Trump’s own statements, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested that the U.S. **lift sanctions on Syria**. Trump also delivered a **measured message to Iran**, suggesting a possible shift in tone. Yet, disappointingly, **Trump made no mention of Gaza or the Palestinian cause**, a glaring omission at a time of ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis.
