Words matter, especially when they come from someone with influence.
That is the theme of my latest column in @FinancialNG bit.ly/3VhvOAI, the impact of the words of @JoeBiden before he became POTUS.
Bear in mind, this was written before #America's mid-terms...
That is the theme of my latest column in @FinancialNG bit.ly/3VhvOAI, the impact of the words of @JoeBiden before he became POTUS.
Bear in mind, this was written before #America's mid-terms...
Faced with the implications of his words during his presidential campaign, the Biden administration rediscovered the concept of realpolitik and tried to make good with the Saudis by visiting #SaudiArabia in July and ending up with that infamous fist bump. 
In November 2019, Joe Biden fingered MBS in the killing of @washingtonpost contributor Jamal Khashoggi and committed to making the Saudis pay.
He followed up upon assuming office by rejecting contact with MBS and stopping US assistance to Saudi efforts in its war in #Yemen.
He followed up upon assuming office by rejecting contact with MBS and stopping US assistance to Saudi efforts in its war in #Yemen.
Experts warned about the possible backlash against US interests.
With the #RussiaUkraineWar triggering inflation that has weakened the global economy and affected the living standards of billions of people worldwide, #America and #Europe have been seriously affected.
With the #RussiaUkraineWar triggering inflation that has weakened the global economy and affected the living standards of billions of people worldwide, #America and #Europe have been seriously affected.
Seeking possible solutions to keep energy prices down as winter fast approaches, Biden was seen making a forced show of camaraderie with the hope that Saudi supports an oil market supply boost that would bring down energy prices and help keep #Russia under pressure.
The Saudis replied with an uppercut, chose to align with Russia and led OPEC+ to agree to a cut of about 2MBPD of oil, further causing a rise in the price of Brent crude.
Now America has gone the extra step of granting immunity to MBS from prosecution in the Khashoggi affair.
Now America has gone the extra step of granting immunity to MBS from prosecution in the Khashoggi affair.
As events play out, Biden and the West need to recognise that the wheels are turning and smaller nations are not simply pawns in the geopolitical calculations of the more powerful ones.
All these hold lessons for #Nigeria about diplomatic naivety.
We must learn to properly integrate efforts via traditional diplomatic channels to achieve our national goals.
But perhaps, we first need to define our national goals.
We must learn to properly integrate efforts via traditional diplomatic channels to achieve our national goals.
But perhaps, we first need to define our national goals.
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