[ad_1]
The Saudi peninsula is Asia's westernmost corner, host to large expatriate populations from the Philippines, Indonesia and the Indian sub-continent. As the custodian of Islam's holiest sites, the kingdom is a beacon for the Islamic world, and its massive oil reserves give it such economic heft that rulers of the world's largest and most powerful nations feel obliged to drive to the airport to receive the Saudi potentate when he shows up on his rare visits.
Latterly, the tight relationship between West Asia's dominant power and the United States, the world's only superpower, has grown even closer; not only has President Donald Trump made his way to Israel, but he also has made it to his country. How else to explain his tolerance of Riyadh's efforts to isolate Qatar, a nation that offers basic facilities for the US Air Force.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
Thank you for reading The Straits Times
You have reached one of our Premium stories. To continue reading, get access now or log in if you are a subscriber.
What is Premium?
[ad_2]
Source link
