this post was submitted on 25 May 2024
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I agree with what you're saying, but also the reality of Saudi Arabia being a good ally is changing rapidly in the last couple years.
They aren't standing up to Russia. They aren't moderating Israel (potential normalization with the Saudis was likely the proximate cause of the October 6th attacks -- which of course entirely achieved the goal of ending that normalization). They're pledging to "extract every molecule" of fossil fuels to keep the world hooked even while their own internal development clearly shifts towards transition.
I'm not sure the relationship is paying off for the US. Maybe that's why this topic is being stirred back up -- to get a bit more leverage against them. The Saudis seem to be VERY concerned with the kayfabe of being a functional, modern state (in spite of the fact that they're a lunatic theocratic monarchy), so this kind of dirty laundry may be of influence to them if it really is undeniable.
I don't envy the folks in the diplomacy trades who have to consider and interpret all these factors and come to a real conclusion about them.
I'll bet a lot of the people in the trenches of politics also know. And pushing the green transition also helps reduce dependence on countries like SA. So it looks to be a win across the board.
If we can now reduce the plastic usage in society and switch that out to more sustainable products. Back to glass, tin cans, and paper.