Saudi Arabia’s former intelligence chief has branded U.S. President Joe Biden a “much diminished president” as the president arrives in Jeddah to discuss oil production, defense and human rights. During his visit over the weekend, Biden is expected to urge the Saudi government to ramp up oil production in a bid to rein in soaring costs, which have in part driven U.S. inflation to a four-decade high of 9.1% in June ahead of crucial midterm elections in November. However, relations between the two countries remain strained on account of the current administration’s outspoken condemnation of Saudi Arabia’s human rights ... (full story)