My new article on the Saudi royal snub in the Progressive

"Until King Salman’s notable absence from meetings with the White House this week, the Saudi royal family has managed its relationship with the United States with utmost care. There has been plenty of tension over the years, but the Saudi royal family has always sought to reconcile with the United States quickly. It is aware that it depends on the United States for its survival and stability—stability defined by U.S. diplomacy as the extent to which tyrannical pro-U.S. regimes enjoy longevity. The Saudi royal snub is new, and it reflects deep antipathy."