MBS Seeks US 'Defense Pledge'; Gets Normalization Demand Instead
The story suggests MBS will press for 'firmer US security guarantees' after 'Israeli strikes in September on Qatar, an iron-clad US ally, rattled the wealthy Gulf region' (Al-Monitor). Let's be clear: Israel strikes other US 'allies' in the region with impunity. The notion that Qatar, home to the largest US military base in the Middle East, needs more US security guarantees due to Israeli
belligerence, while the U.S. continues to bankroll said belligerence, is a cynical absurdity. Historically, such 'guarantees' have empowered oppressive regimes, ensuring their stability while fueling regional instability with endless weapons transfers. The 2020 Abraham Accords, facilitated by the US, offered diplomatic cover for continued occupation, not genuine peace. One might wonder if these
'security guarantees' are less about Qatar's safety and more about securing Saudi-Israeli alignment for broader US geopolitical aims, primarily against Iran, while funneling more US taxpayer dollars into the coffers of US defense contractors. As for normalization, how many regional conflicts and civilian casualties will it take before we question the value of 'peace deals' that sideline
Palestinian rights and exacerbate tensions elsewhere? Washington’s priority appears to be securing partners for its wars, not genuine peace.