Flattering the Saudis

Is kowtowing to the Saudis the right thing for a US President to do or not? Help me out here. I have lost the plot.

A lot of words will be typed in the coming days explaining why what Trump did is different from the actions of previous presidents but, the reality is, that all three presidents were doing the same thing: They were flattering Saudi royalty for diplomatic purposes. If it is wrong, it is wrong. If it is justified, it is justified.

The reality is Saudi Arabia is one of the most oppressive dictatorships on earth. It’s human rights abuses make those of Russia and China look trivial. Holding hands with, bowing to or receiving awards from them are not acts I believe may be necessary but are still distasteful.

Still, yesterday Trump praised Saudi Arabia as a “magnificent” and “sacred land.” He sat in garish furnishings and among gaudy decor and sipped coffee with King Salman seeming to enjoy himself. He offered up $110 billion in weaponry to the nation from which the majority of the 9/11 terrorists originated. This is a long way from the anti-Islam positioning of his campaign.

Are we fine with this? After all, real politick means that the Saudis, as a force of stability in the region and the world, must be dealt with realistically.

So, what say you? Is it appropriate for the POTUS to kowtow to Saudi monarchs?