During his diplomatic meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia this week, Joe Biden, instead of shaking his hand, opted instead for a “fist-bump”, citing the context of COVID-19. His gesture certainly caused a stir.
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“The image for Biden is abysmal. What this highlights, between respect for human rights and strategic interests, alas, human rights take second place. Biden says he spoke about human rights with Mohammed bin Salman. What did they say to each other? Few things emanated from their meeting”, thinks Luc Laliberté, specialist in American politics.
Recall that the American intelligence services have identified Mohammed bin Salman as the person responsible for the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American citizen.
It is for this reason that, during the election campaign, the American president said that he would make Saudi Arabia and the prince inherit pariahs on the international scene. But “this is where Biden has to change his speech and attitude,” said Mr. Laliberté.
“There are more and more Democratic elected officials and voters who want another candidate in 2024. Usually Biden does best in foreign policy. Diplomacy is always difficult. Sometimes you have to set aside your values and ideals. But, at home, in the United States, it did not go well, ”believes Mr. Laliberté.
AFP