Opinion: Russian defence cooperation tilts US-Saudi relations in favour of Riyadh
Ever since President Franklin D Roosevelt met King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud on board the USS Quincy in 1945, the United States has had a curious yet enduring alliance with Saudi Arabia.
The basis for this partnership was pragmatic and simple: The US would provide support and military training for Saudi Arabia, while in return the Saudis would provide oil and political support for the US in the region. Even though the relationship has had to weather some storms – most notably the 1973 oil embargo and the 9/11 attacks – the pact has remained in place since the pair
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