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Opinion
Zev Chafets

Biden’s Risky Trip to the Mideast Is Also Pointless

Too much could go wrong in Jerusalem, Ramallah and Riyadh. And reaching a deal with the Saudis on oil can be done from the White House.

The once and future king.

The once and future king.

Photographer: Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty Images

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President Joe Biden has a politically risky itinerary for his scheduled trip to Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia in mid-July. The question is, why he is doing this?

The tour is scheduled to begin in Jerusalem, where the president plans “to meet with Israelis leaders to discuss security, prosperity and increasing integration into the great region.” All worthy topics, but not quite in sync with the moment.