President Biden’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia this week offers an opportunity to repair a relationship crucial to Mideast security. Unfortunately, the visit will be more of a PR stunt than any real reset of a strategic partnership.
U.S.-Saudi relations are the worst they’ve been in 50 years. During the 1973 oil embargo and after Sept. 11, the White House worked quietly to preserve its relationship with the Saudis, despite public anger at the kingdom. This time, Mr. Biden has personally led the anti-Saudi chorus by labeling the kingdom a “pariah” and refusing to talk with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
