Time for new phase in Saudi-US relations

The presence of the United States in the region commenced with the replacement of the United Kingdom as the region’s primary power linchpin. A new international order emerged after World War II, with the hallmark of the new context being the relationship between the two countries. Although it began earlier, the historic meeting between the leaders of the two nations in 1945 was an inflection point for the relationship and the region.
The tumultuous events that have gripped the region since and the configuration of the two countries’ roles in a changing environment have tested the relationship at multiple points, but never really ruptured it. The epic 70-year relationship is an indication of its strategic depth. The strategic nodes have primarily been in the security and energy arenas, which were sustained with a level of clarity, despite certain limitations. It is time to expand the horizon and increase soft power elements to augment the achievements in hard power.
The hard power elements were gradually and incrementally expanded which allowed the relationship to continue and thrive. The security dimension was shaken but ultimately reinforced to combat terrorism and unfolding developments that included several countries breaking down in the region. The economic node matured with joint ventures in oil exploration and production, primarily in both countries’ petrochemical sectors but also other industries. The human resource side was given a huge boost with the expanded scholarship program and the five-year visa limit.
The breakdown of the regional system especially after the US invasion of Iraq created friction and unleashed contradictory policies. The US’ putative pivot to Asia encouraged Iran to exploit the power vacuum and inflame sectarian tensions. For example, the US’ zealous pursuit of democracy and human rights in Iraq gave way in Syria to a reluctant stand against the criminality of the Assad regime. This came on the back of a series of giveaways on the Iranian nuclear issue, creating doubts and concerns not only in Saudi Arabia but among all America’s allies.
The US’ huge power allows it to overlook the key concerns of regional partners, but these are vital issues for the Kingdom. Since the US contributed to the imbalance, it has a moral and strategic responsibility to find a solution. There are signs that the US is reformulating its position, for example on the Yemen issue there has been a good measure of cooperation. An activist Saudi approach to fix the regional security vacuum, which is taking place in Yemen, is a good model for future cooperation between the US and the Kingdom. The same modality with different partners who share the same world view can be summoned in Syria and Lebanon.
The regional security system must be altered over time to allow for a reduction in militarization and the squandering of resources. This will not be achieved without direct engagement by the US. Once a new security apparatus is accomplished, it will allow for better use of capital for badly needed economic and social development. The Saudi-American dialogue should be centered on this strategic nexus: to defeat the axis of war and expansionism and allow for an evolution in critical development. The type of assistance provided by the Gulf Cooperation Council in Yemen, even as the war goes on, can be emulated in Syria. The Europeans should buy into it on the back of the refugee crisis they now face. A new direction in the region based on the cooperation of traditional allies is necessary to ameliorate the ills here and beyond.
The historical trajectory of the Kingdom is bound to be different from the Western perspective and any development would have to be authentic and evolutionary to have a life of its own. We Saudis are not really good at explaining ourselves to others, let alone selling ourselves. We have to do a better job and this is why we have to gravitate to soft power. We must do better in many areas. Although much has been achieved materially, the road is long and we have to bolster our institutions and soft power initiatives.
There is a convergence of sorts between the Kingdom’s current measures to do this, with the US’ greater interest in seeking cooperation with its allies, which provides hope that the next phase in the relationship between the two nations should be exceedingly fruitful.

— Fawaz H. Alfawaz is a Riyadh-based economic consultant and columnist.