Okaz newspaper

According to news reports, US President Donald Trump told a crowd at an election rally earlier this month that America “protects Saudi Arabia”. Trump is well known for this type of rhetoric and gives speeches that stir the emotions and national pride of his listeners whether or not the statements are true or have any factual basis.

A response came from Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman who in an interview with Bloomberg highlighted the Kingdom’s internal power and the fact that its future is in the hands of its citizens.

Unfortunately, American foreign policy in the Obama era failed to curb the ability of Iran to export death and destruction in the region.

The situation in the Middle East deteriorated and reached a critical point that required an immediate stand to restore balance in the region. Saudi Arabia took the initiative of leading an Islamic coalition to manage the region, without asking for anyone’s protection.

The Kingdom imposed itself as a regional power because the situation called for it to do so. During the eight years of the Obama administration, Saudi Arabia carried out its duties and responsibilities in the region without requiring any so-called “American protection”.

An alliance between countries is agreed upon for the purpose of achieving joint national interests. Alliances are made according to international regulations, along with respect for each country’s sovereignty and an agreement not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs.

Bilateral relations are meant to spread peace and security around the world and the biggest responsibility of a country that calls itself great is to achieve peace.