America’s enemy is Khamenei, not Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Members of the US Congress, like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Tom Malinowski, who are upset over the recent decision by Saudi Arabia not to increase oil production, would be well-advised to answer the following questions before rushing to pass legislation that would further damage US-Saudi relations.

Which world leader is supplying lethal drones to Russia that are killing innocent Ukrainians? Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Which leader wants to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth? Khamenei. Which leader has ordered the beating of women who refuse to wear the hijab? Khamenei. Which leader has sent drones to destroy oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, thus creating global energy insecurity? Khamenei.

While members of Congress focus on their reelection on Nov. 8 and worry about the price of gasoline, prudence suggests a fair and balanced assessment of ties with the country that holds the keys to global energy security. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with King Abdul Aziz on board the USS Quincy 77 years ago, he laid the foundations for a mutually beneficial partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia based on shared interests that have weathered the test of time.

Instead of attacking Saudi Arabia and its newly appointed prime minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Congress should focus on those common interests that bind Washington to Riyadh. By emphasizing areas of mutual interest, Congress can help set a more positive tone for relations with the Kingdom.

First, Congress must express outrage at the destabilizing actions of Khamenei abroad and unequivocally condemn his inhumane treatment of Iranians wanting to breathe the fresh air of freedom. As such, Congress’s leadership should strongly support the crown prince’s policy of confronting the Iranian regime.

When Khamenei approves deadly drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities, it impacts global oil prices, thus hurting consumers, including here in the US. A clear signal from Congress that it will not tolerate any rapprochement with Khamenei’s regime would go a long way to softening Riyadh’s stance on oil production levels.

Instead of attacking Saudi Arabia and its newly appointed prime minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Congress should focus on those common interests that bind Washington to Riyadh. By emphasizing areas of mutual interest, Congress can help set a more positive tone for relations with the Kingdom.

Second, members of Congress who support the transition to renewable energy as a means to combat climate change should acknowledge the positive steps Saudi Arabia is taking to address CO2 emissions. For example, the crown prince has made tree planting the centerpiece of his push toward carbon capture. By planning to plant 10 billion trees, Saudi Arabia is not only showing its strong commitment to fighting climate change but is emphasizing the intersection between public health and nature. According to Harvard researcher Dr. Linda Tomasso, there is a direct link between improvements in public health and green urban settings. Congress would actually find a committed partner in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to plant 1 trillion trees across the globe as a means to capture at least two-thirds of all CO2 currently in the atmosphere.

Third, paying a visit to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology would demonstrate to US congressmen that Saudi Arabia is not only investing in its human capital, but focusing its research and development dollars on game-changing technologies to supply the world with world-class batteries for electric vehicles. Saudi Arabia has invested $1 billion into Lucid Motors to make electric vehicles in Arizona. During their tour of KAUST, members of Congress can meet with Prof. Nadia Farhat and Prof. Sarah Kerdi, whose research on desalination and water reuse can be applicable to American states such as California and cities such as Salt Lake City.

While Khamenei continues to unleash his “morality police” on innocent Iranian women, the fourth action members of Congress should take is to express their strong support for the crown prince’s bold move to confront close-minded Saudi clerics, and side with the women of Saudi Arabia, by allowing them unprecedented freedoms. In fact, as soon as these congressmen enter the airport in Riyadh or check into their hotel they will be greeted by young Saudi women who are now fully part of the economic growth narrative of their country.

Finally, a formal invitation by the leadership of Congress to the reform-oriented crown prince to visit Washington and discuss the broad contours of the US-Saudi relationship would prove more useful if the goal is to get a Saudi buy-in on oil production that impacts the American economy.

Henry Kissinger once stated: “America has no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.” These words are true of the US’s 77-year relationship with Saudi Arabia, and Congress should reflect on the wisdom of their nation’s foremost statesman as they reassess their approach towards the Kingdom.

– S Rob Sobhani, Ph.D., is the author of a book on Saudi Arabia and CEO of Caspian Group Holding.