Reality check for a superstar Saudi prince

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with US President Donald Trump at the White House last month. Some US business leaders were taken by the young Prince's charm and confidence as he sought investments in Saudi Arabia. But the challenges are daunt
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with US President Donald Trump at the White House last month. Some US business leaders were taken by the young Prince's charm and confidence as he sought investments in Saudi Arabia. But the challenges are daunting, says the writer. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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For three weeks ending last weekend in Texas, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was the most celebrated foreign leader to visit the United States since China's Deng Xiaoping almost 40 years ago.

MBS, as he is called, was embraced by the administration of President Donald Trump. He saw former president Bill Clinton, leading tech executives, entertainment stars, titans of Wall Street, the foreign policy establishment and prominent journalists.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 17, 2018, with the headline Reality check for a superstar Saudi prince. Subscribe