MBS’ power play pays off

A file photo of US President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at a press conference at the White House in 2018 on pending weapons sales. — ©️2023 The New York Times Company

US President Joe Biden vowed during his quest for the White House to make the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, a “pariah” over the killing and dismemberment of a dissident. He threatened the prince again last autumn with “consequences” for defying the US’ wishes on oil policy.

Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator, called Mohammed, the oil-rich kingdom’s de facto ruler, a “wrecking ball” who could “never be a leader on the world stage.”