By Raymond Ibrahim On February 5, 2015
The first, better known moment was self-induced. Upon meeting the late King Abdullah in 2009, the newly-minted American president, apparently forgetful of his office, couldn’t help but bow to the guardian of Islam’s two holiest sites.
In this second incident, new Saudi King Salman may have had this subservient image of Obama in mind, for he showed the U.S. president the sort of deference a magnanimous superior would show to an acknowledged inferior—and all in the context (or pretext) of Islamic requirements.
At least that’s what several Arabic world media and social networks have been saying. They point to the video clip below. In it, Obama and first lady Michelle have just landed in Saudi Arabia and are standing by the king according to protocol as the U.S. president shakes hands with various people.
Then a Saudi man hurriedly approaches them. Obama raises hands to shake, but the man completely ignores him, addressing the king instead. Obama brings his arm down. The king says a parting word to Obama and without hesitation turns his back and leaves—followed by his entire entourage—leaving Obama somewhat “hanging” for a moment (see around the :40-45 second mark). With no Saudis remaining with him, Obama turns to a nearby Western diplomat and strikes up what must have been a perfunctory conversation.
Why the king and all his men left Obama may be even more important than the act itself. Several Arabic media and observers say the king interrupted the welcoming protocol for the U.S. president because it was prayer time.
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