Biden walks political, diplomatic tightrope in Saudi Arabia

2 years ago
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With his domestic agenda on the rocks, U.S. President Joe Biden made the historic journey to Saudi Arabia on Friday aboard Air Force One.

Flying directly from Israel, the symbolic gesture was overshadowed by criticism of Biden's willingness to overlook Saudi Arabia's human rights record in his pursuit of cooperation around the region.

For Biden, each step of this trip involves walking a political and diplomatic tightrope. From a fist bump with the Saudi Arabia crown prince accused of approving the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, to closed-door meetings over a long list of mutual concerns.

Having previously declared Saudi Arabia a "pariah state," what is the message that Biden is sending with this visit? And why is he taking this step now? Jackson Proskow explains.

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