WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabian King Salman makes first US State Visit after ascending throne. pic.twitter.com/7BPVhTo6EP
— Children of Peace (@ChildrenofPeace) September 4, 2015
#SaudiArabia‘s King Salman arrives in #US on official visit… (2/2) (via @spagov) pic.twitter.com/QsgYlLlux3
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) September 4, 2015
King Salman of Saudi Arabia is due to conclude his first visit to the United States since he ascended to the throne. In recent months, the King’s visits abroad have bred some controversy. While on holiday on the French Riviera, a stretch of public beach bordering his £5million beach house was closed to the public. Not only this, a staircase and wooden walkways were due to be constructed, down to the beach. This caused an outcry, with 100,000 signing a petition, and escalated into a nude protest.
#Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz books out Four Seasons hotel in #US http://t.co/wUMU8xk6RS pic.twitter.com/z5wUbEkzA2
— Construction Week (@CWMiddleEast) September 6, 2015
The King’s decision to hire out an entire hotel for his stay in the United States has invoked similar ire. Though this is most likely for security reasons, and to house his 1000-strong staff, the general tone has been stark disapproval. Particularly in the face of the Syrian refugee crisis.
Saudi @KingSalman visit to America:
– 4 airliners
– entire Four Seasons hotel
– hundreds of carsStill zero refugees pic.twitter.com/PSuhUwtxY2
— Exen (@Exen) September 6, 2015
Saudi king Salman to visit Washington DC – books entire 5-Star Four Seasons Hotel. But no money for refugees?!
http://t.co/RYdQpTpF3S— Julie Lenarz (@MsIntervention) September 5, 2015
While Syria’s ‘refugees’ flee to the EU => Saudi King Salman to visit D.C., books entire hotel http://t.co/4Sqktm09RF
— Gray Connolly (@GrayConnolly) September 7, 2015
The Syrian Civil War has created well over 4 million refugees, and critics on social media have noted how, so far, Saudi Arabia has not officially pledged any support for them, in terms of resettlement or financial aid. Not only this, commentators were quick to compare King Salman’s American excursion with the ongoing (and intensifying) conflict in Yemen, in which Saudi Arabia is the leading player.
Avg annual salary of 10 Yemenis couldn’t pay for a night in Four Seasons’ Royal Suite. King Salman took whole hotel. http://t.co/wnQoACY4xz
— DavidKenner (@DavidKenner) September 6, 2015
Saudi Arabia started a military intervention in Yemen earlier this year, at the request of the government, which had been overthrown by Houthi rebels. The conflict has become increasingly complicated as eight other Arab states have joined the Saudis in airstrikes, with Qatar committing 1000 ground troops to the cause. The conflict in Yemen has essentially become a regional conflict, especially given the allegations that Iran is propping up the Houthis. As events in the Middle East continue to intensify, it is unlikely that criticism of King Salman’s affairs will fade away any time soon.
