Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Experts believe that Saudi Arabia and the United States cannot afford tension with each other and should resolve their differences through dialogue.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir last month issued the warning to US lawmakers during a visit to Washington that if the US Congress would adopt the bill that would allow victims of the terrorist attacks, including the 9/11 attack, to sue foreign governments, Saudi Arabia would dispose off their billions of dollars assets in the US.

Former ambassador and director general of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Masood Khan, said that both countries had strained relations in the recent past. If such legislation is passed, it would certainly worsen the relations between the two countries.

So far, Saudi Arabia and the US are trying to steer themselves out of major crises. Both Saudi Arabia and the US have very prudent leaders who wanted good relations with each other, he said.

“However, harsh statements have widened the gulf. Saudi Arabia is an important state for America in the region; therefore, it doesn’t want to lose it in the current scenario. From the Pakistan’s point of view, both sides should sort out their differences amicably. After West’s nuclear deal with Iran, Saudi Arabia looks at the situation as a quiet observer, but it feels it is in a disrespectful position. Such situation could add fuel to the fire. The Middle East requires equilibrium and stability,” Khan said.

Dr Ayesha Siddiqa, international relations expert, said the US government would not want to intensify the crisis with Saudi Arabia and it seemed that behind the scenes negotiations were underway between the two countries. It seems the US does not like to disturb Saudi Arabia and even Europe would not want to strain their ties with the kingdom, she said. She said the Saudi government faced multiple pressures, as the US was exerting pressure on it with regard to the ISIS and extremists groups were exerting pressure on it from the other side. She said it would be premature to say anything about the use of veto power by President Obama when the legislation would be tabled in the Congress against Saudi Arabia.

Lt-Gen (Retd) Talat Masood said the US knew this aspect since 9/11. It was just expediency that was now dictating them to take action against Saudi Arabia. So, Saudi Arabia is very upset though the present government is not involved in any such act. He said that both Saudi Arabian and US governments were playing political tactics and they would continue to have good relations.