Some in the Arab world are having a chuckle on social media, saying that new Saudi King Salman just spurned U.S. President Obama during his recent visit to the Arabian kingdom.
They point to the video clip below. In it, Obama and first lady Michelle are standing by the king as the U.S. president shakes hands with various people.
Then a Saudi man approaches them and Obama raises hands to shake, but the man completely ignores him, addressing the king. Obama quickly brings his arm down.
The king says a word to Obama and immediately turns his back and takes his leave, followed by his entire entourage — leaving Obama and Michele just standing there and looking on before Obama turns to a nearby American or European diplomat and strikes up a conversation.
Let the viewer decide if this is a snub. Based on Obama’s deep bow to the previous Saudi king in 2009, could this abrupt leave be indicative of the Arabian kingdom’s belief that treating the American president with disregard — if not disdain — is acceptable for his majesty?