Biden vows expanded U.S. role in Mideast as controversial trip ends

Capping a four-day trip to the Middle East, President Biden laid out his vision of a future for the region on Saturday, a framework he hopes amplifies American values and investment in this part of the world — and blunts the influence of Russia and China.

The day full of meetings with leaders of Iraq, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and other regional powers was in part an attempt to change a narrative that has been dominated by Biden’s interactions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of the country who has been accused of human rights abuses.

His remarks, delivered at the Gulf Cooperation Council on the final leg of a four-day Middle East tour, came amid concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“We will not walk away and leave a vacuum to be filled by China, Russia or Iran,” Biden said. “We will seek to build on this moment with active, principled, American leadership.”

He pressed his counterparts, many of whom lead repressive governments, to ensure human rights – including for women – and allow their citizens to speak openly.

“The future will be won by the countries that unleash the full potential of their populations,” Biden said, and that includes allowing people to “question and criticize leaders without fear of reprisal”.

Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, convened the summit, which gave him an opportunity to showcase his country’s heavyweight role in the Middle East. He also hinted that the kingdom could pump more oil than it is currently, something Biden is hoping to see when an existing production deal among OPEC+ member countries expires in September.

Biden’s attendance at the summit followed his Friday meeting with the Saudi prince, heir to the throne currently held by his father, King Salman.

But Biden decided he needed to repair the longstanding relationship between the two countries to address rising gas prices and foster stability in the volatile region.