Economics
Saudi Arabia Is Making Its First Real Attempt to Be a Military Power
We Want Saudis to Take Larger Role: McChrystal
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In the more assertive Saudi Arabia that’s emerging after the Arab Spring, war is no longer taboo as an instrument of policy and Washington’s approval isn’t required.
Once known for cautious diplomacy, the oil-rich kingdom is turning more frequently to hard power. The shift has been under way since unrest swept across the Arab world in 2011. It accelerated after the succession of King Salman in January, and the promotion as defense chief of his son, who’s part of the Saudi delegation meeting President Barack Obama at Camp David on Thursday.