Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – Activists on social media circulated an opinion article published by the American newspaper, Washington Post, for Khaled, son of the former Saudi security advisor, Saad al-Jabri, Abdullah, son of Islamic preacher Salman al-Awda, and Lina, sister of Saudi activist, Loujain al-Hathloul.
The joint article was titled “Biden Repairs Relationships With Our Persecutors. He Should Listen To Us Instead”, stating that in “President Biden and other Western leaders’ comments regarding their commitment to fostering a healthy partnership with Saudi Arabia, we see both hope and danger. The US-Saudi relationship is a positive force, but only if it extends beyond unlimited arms sales and vague human rights rhetoric.
In the lead-up to Biden’s July meeting with MBS, we had hoped that the president would publicly raise the issues of our families – and those of many other Saudi victims – and meet with representatives of civil society. Instead, it appears that Biden’s embrace of the crown prince, Condemned by unilateral concessions, it has fueled the regime’s repression.In recent weeks, the kingdom has imposed strict prison sentences on two women, Salma Al-Shehab and Noura bint Saeed Al-Qahtani, for expressing their support for basic rights.This latest crackdown on peaceful critics came right following the administration gave Biden has given the green light for billions of dollars in arms sales to the kingdom.
CNN in Arabic contacted the Saudi authorities for comment on this article without a response at the time of writing this report.
The article continued: “Western officials and analysts describe Biden’s reconciliation with MBS as a fait accompli. Many argue that we live in a time of competition with China and Russia, and we cannot allow Saudi Arabia to drift from the orbit of the United States. They point to MBS’ youthful and social reforms and insist However, maintaining ties with him is the cost of ensuring stability.”
The article continued: “Those of us who are far from the control of Mohammed bin Salman show that Saudi civil society is ready to participate in the affairs of our country. Our generation has surpassed the ruling elite in experience and education, and many of us have embraced universal values while maintaining pride in our heritage. Now, we are seeking a voice in Our nation’s business. We seek to build a society that grants basic freedoms to all, and a future where self-determination and the rule of law are governed, rather than nepotism.”