What the US and Saudis Want as Trump Eyes Closer Ties: QuickTake

Despite differences over the Arab-Israeli conflict and human rights, the US and Saudi Arabia have maintained a strong alliance for more than seven decades. It’s been based on a simple formula — military protection in return for a reliable flow of oil supplies to the world. Now, with Saudi enthusiast Donald Trump back in the White House, the two countries appear headed toward an even tighter embrace. As he did in his first term, Trump is making his first official foreign trip to Saudi Arabia, with plans to arrive May 13.

Although Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, had ...