The United States has lifted its ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, a move that is likely to have significant implications for the Middle East region, concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its involvement in the Yemen civil war.
The decision to lift the ban was made by the US administration, which cited a range of factors for the change. The move is seen as a shift in US policy towards Saudi Arabia, with whom it has had a complex relationship.
The US has been critical of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly in relation to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. However, the two countries have also cooperated closely on counter-terrorism and security issues.
The lifting of the ban allows Saudi Arabia to purchase advanced military equipment, including precision-guided munitions, from the US. This move is likely to be seen as a boost to Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities, which have been stretched by its involvement in the Yemen conflict.
The decision has been met with criticism from human rights groups, who argue that it sends the wrong signal about the importance of human rights in US foreign policy. However, the US administration has argued that the move is necessary to support Saudi Arabia’s security needs and to counter the growing influence of Iran in the region.
Overall, the lifting of the ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in US policy towards the kingdom. It reflects the complex and often competing interests that shape US foreign policy in the Middle East.