Biden's big challenge: What if photographed holding hands with the Arab prince

American presidents' visits, even with close allies, are often choreography work that includes weeks of planning meetings, camera positions and how officials plan to enter rooms to do or avoid a handshake, Reuters writes.

Beden, who called the Saudi government a épa·pe·rahʹ for her role in the murder of Washington Post journalist and political opponent Jamal Khashoggi in 208, is expected to meet without his desire with the crowned prince for whom American intelligence believes he stands behind the assassination.

But political experts say the White House understands a photograph, and perhaps one where both are seen holding hands, may be inevitable and necessary, as Washington seeks to restore his relations with the oil-rich state and a young prince who is expected to rule the kingdom for many years to come.

I think the White House welcome is that they'll be with the same room. They will not be far off from each other. At one point, the crowned prince is expected to approach and extend his hand and such a view will be distributed”, said Jon Altman, a former State Department official.

When that happens, Beden will surely face criticism from Republican opponents who argue that the president is facing a non-convincing ally to increase oil production against domestic producers. The criticism will also be from the Democrats who have called for Biden to postpone the meeting due to concerns about human rights. /Periscopi/