Question

Saudi Arabia’s de-facto ruler, Crown Prince Muhammed Bin-Salman, has been credibly accused of ordering the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. The U.S. Senate is not pleased. It is likely that the U.S. relationship with the Kingdom will be altered significantly—maybe permanently. With U.S. domestic oil production now the world’s highest and our dependence on Saudi oil a thing of the past, how would a major change in the U.S.’s relationship with Saudi Arabia alter the Middle East balance of power?

Answer 1

US is no longer dependent on Saudi Arabia for its energy needs. Recent of Episode of killing of Khasoggi is likely to change relationship equation between USA and Saudi Arabia. But still Saudi Arabia would remain crucial partner in Middle east for following reasons:

• Saudi Arabia is located in strategic location,
• US needs partner like Saudi Arabia to deal with Iran nuclear programme.
• Further, Chinese influence is rising alarmingly in Middle east, strained relationship between US and Saudi would give leeway to influence of china in Middle east.

Thus, thaw in relationship between USA and Saudi Arabia would increase influence of Russia and China in middle east. it would not be beneficial for well being of region. Economic crisis and political instabilities may become deep if something like this occurs.