President Joe Biden is going to Saudi Arabia this month in order to improve relations.
The diplomatic freeze that began after the assassination of the Washington Post journalist is over. The long-term price is tied to a client that continues to destroy nearby nations and de-stabilize the Middle East.
The Biden administration is continuing its economic warfare with Iran and Venezuela, as well as pressuring US allies into compliance against two of the largest oil producers. Both nations are forced to seek engagement from rivals such as Russia and China because of their isolation.
If the Biden administration wants to bring down oil prices, rekindling relationships with key instigators is not the way to go. Iran and Venezuela need to be removed from the sanctions list. Doing so would reduce the ability of existing clients to take advantage of Washington's support.
The price of oil is a big deal. They hit $111 a barrel last month and have created both short- and long-term pain. High gas prices make Americans poorer in real terms because their wages don't buy as much goods.
The re-engagement is just a code for giving the Saudis more security commitments. It would reiterate that the Saudi government can do whatever it wants and expect continued US support.
It would lead to increased reckless driving. The temporary production boost can be reversed. It would cost a lot to look past public assassinations. When prominent countries give tacit endorsement of a violation, the international norm is weakened. When they see an opportunity, rogue states are similar to entrepreneurs.
America's involvement with a historically destabilizing force would be deepened by expanding US commitments to Saudi Arabia. Washington provided missiles to bomb from funerals to weddings in this country, which was at war with Yemen.
Saudi Arabia's leadership and institutions are the same. Cost-benefit calculations are made by states. Saudi expectations of what they can and can't do are shifted when the United States offers engagement. Bad behavior will be encouraged by knowing American support.
The Biden administration should not deepen ties with bad-faith actors in order to prevent them from taking advantage of US support. Both Iran and Venezuela are founding members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The price of oil could fall if they were to produce oil at full capacity. They should be given relief to increase oil production.
Biden can offer to purchase a certain amount of oil upfront to improve long-term production after sanctions are lifted. It would show a renewed commitment to reestablish economic relations.
The Biden administration should schedule bilateral talks at regular intervals to improve communications. The goal of the talks is to gradually remove the other sanctions. If a country is a potential target for sanctions, why would businesses invest in it?
The reforms will curb inflation and help steer the two nations away from Russia's influence. Saudi Arabia would have a hard time getting the attention of the Biden administration.
Trade-offs are part of international relations. The nation's standard of living can be restored if sanctions on Iran and Venezuela are lifted. The US can see and pursue its interests more clearly if it builds a world where it has more relationships and pursues them in a businesslike way.
The John Quincy Adams Society has a strategic leaders fellowship. He worked as a consultant for both the public and private sectors. He holds a masters degree in technology policy. His previous work has appeared in a number of publications. His opinions are his own and do not reflect on his employer. You can follow him on the social networking site.
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