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The royal Saudi visit may change long-term US views

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Significance

The crown prince (colloquially known across Western news media as ‘MBS’), this month visited the United States, building relationships, announcing business deals and seeking to soften the image of Saudi Arabia. His seven-city tour included meetings with politicians from both parties, high-tech business leaders and Hollywood stars.

Impacts

  • The close association with Washington may play well to MBS’s youth base, but could further antagonise Saudi conservatives.
  • Relationships built on the trip will likely boost US investment in Saudi Arabia, despite concerns about a fickle business environment.
  • The Saudi charm offensive could provoke an adverse US domestic reaction if civilian casualties in Yemen spike and hit the news cycle.

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