“Shifts in the Sand: U.S.-Saudi Relations” will be the final 2017 lecture as part of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s Great Decisions Global Discussion Series will be Monday, April 3, at 6 p.m. in the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center (Circle Theater), 1703 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids.
“Shifts in the Sand: U.S.-Saudi Relations” will present a discussion led by Simon Henderson, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Washington, D.C.
According to the World Affairs Council’s website, the discussion is introduced as follows: “Since the terror attacks on the U.S. on 9/11, Washington and Riyadh have been struggling to re-establish a harmonious relationship. Under President (Barack) Obama, tension heightened because of Saudi suspicions about the Iran nuclear deal. Complicating matters, the kingdom is a key part of the world economy because of its oil exports and a huge market for U.S. exports, particularly military equipment. What will be the future of US-Saudi relations under President (Donald) Trump? Will tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to be a major element? What is the future of contacts between Saudi Arabia and Israel? And what are the plans of Muhammad bin Salman, King Salman’s favorite son and likely successor?
Tickets are $10 and the series is open to the public. For more information on visit worldmichigan.org/great-decisions-2017 .
