Los Angeles Times

Biden offers historic fist bump in Saudi Arabia as he abandons promise to isolate the kingdom

US President Joe Biden arrives at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah, on July 15, 2022.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — President Joe Biden met here on Friday with the leaders of the oil-rich country he once vowed to make a “pariah” over its human rights abuses as the White House scrambles to mitigate record inflation and high gas prices hammering Americans in an election year.

Even as he ventured to this sandy desert resort along the Red Sea in search of greater oil production, Biden sought to downplay the significance of his visit — limiting media access to his meetings and offering a fist bump instead of a traditional handshake as he entered the Royal Palace with Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Concerned about the political implications of meeting with Mohammed, accused by American intelligence officials of ordering the slaying of a U.S.-based journalist, the White House cited as the rationale

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times3 min read
For Third Year In A Row, Kings’ Season Ended By Edmonton
EDMONTON, Canada — The Kings’ season expired Wednesday at 10:52 p.m. Mountain Time. Cause of death was the Edmonton Oilers. Again. For the Kings, these Oilers have become serial killers, snuffing out their NHL playoffs hopes in the first round in eac
Los Angeles Times1 min read
Dan Schneider Suing 'Quiet On Set' Producers For Defamation: 'I Sadly Have No Choice'
LOS ANGELES — Dan Schneider, the Nickelodeon producer behind hit shows "Drake & Josh" and "iCarly," is taking legal action against the teams behind the popular "Quiet on Set" docuseries. Schneider announced in a statement shared with The Times on Wed
Los Angeles Times3 min readAmerican Government
Robin Abcarian: The Women Of Trump's GOP Try To Answer The Question, Who's The Most Macho?
Slaughtering wolves from helicopters? Castrating hogs? Shooting up Priuses with assault weapons? Murdering misbehaving puppies? Is this what it takes for a Republican woman to be a credible candidate for higher office? Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

Related Books & Audiobooks