The Complex Relationship: US Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East

Introduction

In August 2018, tragedy struck the streets of Dahyan, Yemen, when a fighter jet unleashed a bomb near a bustling marketplace, leading to the death of 40 innocent children on a school bus. This devastating incident was attributed to a coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which has conducted thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since 2015, often targeting civilian sites. It was later revealed that the bomb in question, serial number 94271, was a 500-pound laser-guided bomb manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States. This tragic event highlights a longstanding relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, with the latter being the largest customer of American weapons. But why does the US sell such a significant volume of arms to Saudi Arabia, and is there a possibility that it will cease these sales? To understand this complex dynamic, we must delve into history.

The Roots of US-Saudi Cooperation

In 1938, vast oil reserves were discovered in the newly formed Saudi Arabia, leading to a pivotal agreement between the US and Saudi King AbdulAziz al-Saud. This arrangement assured the US a reliable source of oil while pledging support and protection for Saudi Arabia. The Middle East was strategically important to the US during a time when it was forming alliances in the region.

Initially, US arms sales to Middle Eastern allies were limited, as the US aimed for fewer weapons to translate into less conflict, ensuring a steady supply of oil. However, the outbreak of wars between Israel and Arab states in 1967 and later in 1973 created a challenging situation for the US, which had allies on both sides. This situation prompted the US to sell fighter jets to Israel, and in a subsequent conflict, it sent substantial military aid to Israel, further straining relations with Arab allies, including Saudi Arabia.

From Allies to Arms Race

The 1970s marked a significant turning point when oil profits made Saudi Arabia exceptionally wealthy, allowing them to purchase advanced weaponry. Between 1970 and 1976, US arms sales to Saudi Arabia surged. Simultaneously, Iran, another key strategic ally, emerged as a crucial partner to the US, sharing both its oil wealth and a border with the Soviet Union, the US's primary Cold War adversary. President Nixon's commitment to supplying Iran with virtually any conventional weapons it required solidified this partnership.

Thus, Saudi Arabia and Iran became known as America's "Twin Pillars" in the Middle East, with arms sales serving as an integral aspect of the alliance. By supplying these nations, the US aimed to counter Soviet influence and protect its oil supply. Moreover, American weapons came with training and maintenance support, establishing a long-term commitment and trust between allies.

Strains in the Alliance: The Iran Revolution

In 1979, the Iranian Islamic revolution overthrew the pro-US Shah, replacing him with Ayatollah Khomeini, an anti-American religious leader. Consequently, Iran transformed from a partner into a staunch adversary while remaining armed with American-made weaponry. This political shift led to a rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, both vying for influence in the Middle East.

As the arms race intensified in the Middle East, the US played a significant role in facilitating arms sales to Saudi Arabia, sparking debates in Congress. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan supported the sale of 2,500 missiles to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of the alliance, but facing opposition from some members of Congress.

Despite debates, the US never fully blocked foreign arms sales, and the decades that followed witnessed fluctuations in the strength of the US-Saudi alliance. It was severely tested in the wake of the 9/11 attacks when it was revealed that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens. However, arms sales surged again following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, as Saudi Arabia sought American partnership in the midst of a tumultuous Middle East.

The US-Saudi Relationship Today: A Complex Dilemma

The current state of the Middle East is one of heightened instability. Iran's expansionist ambitions have led to the proxy wars in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, further straining the region. Saudi Arabia, viewing Iran as a direct threat, has actively employed its American-supplied weapons, particularly in the Yemeni civil war since 2015. This conflict has exacerbated the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the Saudi-led coalition striking civilian targets repeatedly.

Despite international outrage and evidence of civilian casualties, the US has continued to sell arms to Saudi Arabia. Under the Obama administration, arms sales reached historic highs, including replacements for weapons used in Yemen. The Trump administration emphasized economic benefits while selling weapons, even though it seemed that decades of arming Saudi Arabia had failed to yield any significant leverage over its actions.

Conclusion: A Fragile Alliance

The question of whether the US will cease arms sales to Saudi Arabia remains complex. The Middle East's volatility persists, necessitating a continued alliance between Saudi Arabia and the US, which has endured for nearly 75 years. However, this partnership has become increasingly fraught with tension, notably following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, believed to be ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The US-Saudi relationship is no longer as reliable as it once was, and there is growing resistance within the US to this alliance. Some members of Congress have called for restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia due to humanitarian concerns and a desire to reevaluate this relationship. Ultimately, the future of this intricate alliance hinges on multiple factors, including the evolving dynamics of the Middle East, the priorities of US leadership, and the global response to Saudi Arabia's actions.