Analysts predict that the partnership will remain strong despite Washington’s threat of “consequences” for cutting oil production.
USA – Washington, DC Analysts say a major shift in relations between the United States and the Gulf monarchy is improbable, despite mounting resentment in Washington and US President Joe Biden’s warning that Saudi Arabia will face “consequences” over oil production cuts.
The controversy around a recently announced reduction in oil output is the most recent indication of difficulties between the two partners, whose relations have recently suffered a number of setbacks.
The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a US-based think tank, has a research fellow named Annelle Sheline. Sheline remarked, “I don’t think we’re likely to see a divorce proceeding from this sort of problematic marriage.” The question of “Why do we continue to take this from this country that calls itself our partner?” may be heard more frequently from both Americans and Saudis, in my opinion.
After OPEC+, which consists of OPEC and other oil producers, including Russia, announced the output cutbacks this month, Riyadh came under fire in Washington.
Prior to the pivotal midterm elections next month, the move is likely to increase the price of gasoline for US consumers. Important Democratic Party lawmakers have called for a fundamental reevaluation of the US-Saudi partnership, even going so far as to call off security cooperation with the kingdom.
