US President Joe Biden's visit to the Middle East opened with low expectations from regional players, although his very arrival is an important statement. Unlike his predecessor Donald Trump, who arrived in May 2017 on his first trip as president, Biden seems to have been dragged almost reluctantly, mainly for internal reasons.
The US president has landed in the Middle East as US fuel prices soar and inflation peaks at 40 years.
With Biden in the White House, the Qataris have created channels of dialogue between the Biden administration and the Taliban, and in addition have begun to play an active role in mediating with Iran on the way to a new nuclear deal.
The United States reciprocated by inviting the of Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad a-Thani to the White House, making him the first Gulf leader to receive this honor. In addition, the Americans upgraded Qatar's status by declaring it a close ally outside NATO.
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi did not like this, but preferred to remain silent so as not to deepen the crisis with Washington.
Then the war came and shuffled the cards. The US asked Qatar to help increase gas shipments to Europe as a replacement for Russian gas, but received a chilling response. The administration quickly realized that the key to the energy market was in Saudi Arabia, not Qatar, and began talks leading to the current visit.
As far as Saudi Arabia and the heir to the throne are concerned, the Biden arrival will be seen as a victory. Gaining legitimacy from the US and possibly new offensive arms contracts will further consolidate its regional and international status and the Qataris will have to align and reduce their independent policies.