Saudi Crown Prince Calls for Stronger US-Saudi Relations
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has urged the United States not to allow Osama bin Laden’s legacy to weaken the decades-long strategic partnership between the two nations. His remarks follow renewed attention on Saudi Arabia’s historical ties to the 9/11 attacks after bin Laden’s 2002 “Letter to America” went viral.
Bin Laden’s Legacy and the US-Saudi Alliance
The Crown Prince’s comments highlight Riyadh’s concern over lingering suspicions in the U.S. about Saudi Arabia’s past connections to terrorism. Osama bin Laden, the founder of Al-Qaeda and mastermind of 9/11, was a Saudi national, and 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens. While the Saudi government denies state involvement, declassified documents and lawsuits have kept the debate alive.
“Osama bin Laden does not represent Saudi Arabia or its people,” MBS stated. “Our alliance with the U.S. is built on shared economic, security, and geopolitical interests that outweigh the actions of a terrorist who betrayed his country.”
Why Bin Laden’s Letter Went Viral—And Why It Matters
Recently, bin Laden’s 2002 manifesto, which justified attacks on the U.S. and criticized American foreign policy, gained traction on social media, particularly among younger users. Many engaged with the letter without full context, sparking outrage among policymakers and terrorism experts.
The Saudi government condemned the letter’s circulation as a “dangerous distortion of history.” Analysts suggest Riyadh fears renewed anti-Saudi sentiment could complicate efforts to strengthen U.S. ties under President Biden.
US-Saudi Relations: Strategic Interests vs. Historical Tensions
Despite past conflicts, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia remain key partners in energy security, counterterrorism, and Middle East stability. The Kingdom is a major oil supplier, and Washington relies on Riyadh to counter Iran and maintain regional balance. Under MBS, bilateral ties have expanded into technology, defense, and clean energy projects like NEOM.
However, challenges remain, including Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Some U.S. lawmakers continue pushing for a tougher stance.
Can the US and Saudi Arabia Move Forward?
MBS’s comments reflect Saudi Arabia’s push to modernize and move past bin Laden’s shadow. Yet, for many Americans—especially 9/11 families—the wounds remain fresh.
As geopolitical shifts unfold, both nations must balance strategic cooperation with historical grievances. “We must not let the past dictate our path forward,” MBS emphasized.
With China and Russia expanding influence in the Gulf, the Biden administration is likely to prioritize pragmatism over past tensions. But as bin Laden’s viral letter shows, public sentiment remains a wildcard.
While the shadow of 9/11 lingers, the stakes of the present demand a forward-looking approach from both Washington and Riyadh.
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