Saudi Arabia's Oil Politics Sabotaging Biden's Re-election?

Eye on the News with Eric Cochran

We dive into into geopolitical apprehension circling around the 2024 US presidential elections. As President Joe Biden gears up for re-election, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aptly known as MBS, seems to be a major roadblock, amid an already strained US-Saudi relationship.

MBS seems to be using his influence over OPEC Plus to keep production cuts intact, causing an upsurge in oil prices and bringing significant economic pain to the US. An unsettling precedent was witnessed in 2022 when a similar rise in gas prices resulted in a considerable drop in Biden’s approval rating. Seeing these drastic effects fuels the concept that MBS could possibly be manipulating oil prices to upheave Biden's reelection chances.

Given the complexity of the situation, Sasha and Eric question the theories at play here. Is MBS intentionally attempting to undermine Biden's administration? If so, what countermeasures can the US opt for in response? Their analysis incorporates factors such as the war in Ukraine, the rise in demand from China, America’s strategic relations with Saudi, economic interests inherent in the situation and, indisputably, personal animosity.

The episode further examines the intricate US-Saudi relationship from a historical perspective. While recognizing the importance of Saudi Arabia as a critical ally, a counterweight to Iran, a stabilizing force in the global oil market, and a partner against terrorism, it also addresses the darker sides of the relationship, including the regime's disregard for human rights.

The conversation evolves into an interesting exploration of possible solutions, emphasizing energy independence as a paramount requirement. While the shortage of good options places the Biden administration in a tough spot, both hosts consider the need for a diverse energy strategy that is unyielding towards the goal of American energy independence.

The episode concludes with a critical question: Can the US disassociate itself from Saudi oil politics without disrupting the global energy market? Or must it endure this cycle of dependence until it attains energy independence? Tune into to this fascinating episode to gauge how hosts Sasha and Eric contemplate future global energy policies and the accelerated push to diminish the pull of major oil-producing countries on the world’s geopolitical landscape.