I agree we should strive for energy independence, in the long term. But as detestable as they are, we can’t simply cut ties with the Saudis without a plan for what comes next.
In addition to oil, some reasons why every American President regardless of party eventually comes crawling back to Saudi Arabia:
—Saudi Arabia holds hundreds, if not thousands, of Islamic terrorists in their cells. Their detention is predicated on American cooperation. What if they… went missing? This is a knife at America’s throat. Or, less melodramatically, “leverage.”
—Saudi Arabia would quickly acquire a new patron state. Russia, China, or both would be more than happy to sell Saudi Arabia the weapons it needs. Is that a good outcome for us?
—Saudi Arabia (and others) are slowly moving toward normalization of relations with Israel. If America pulls the plug, that’s probably out the window.
—There’s “liberal Sharia law” and “fundamentalist Sharia law.” Saudi Arabia and some other Gulf States practice the former, Afghanistan practices the latter. Saudi Arabia is bad, but it’s not Afghanistan bad. American involvement helps keep it that way.
It’s a safe bet that liberal democracy will never take root in Saudi Arabia. The failure of the “Arab Spring” demonstrated that. Given that, a realistic relationship can be focused on narrower goals — like steady liberalization of women’s rights, curbing the worst abuses of the religious police, not murdering journalists abroad, peace with Israel, pressure on Iran, and nuclear non-proliferation.