"The U.S.-Saudi relationship had been sent into a tailspin by the operation targeting Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the kingdom, that U.S. intelligence agencies later determined Prince Mohammed likely directed the agents to carry out. But seven years later, the dark clouds over the relationship have been cleared away. And Trump has tightened his embrace of the 40-year-old crown prince he views as an indispensable player in shaping the Middle East in the decades to come."
"Khashoggi will likely be an afterthought as the two leaders unveil billions of dollars in deals and huddle with aides to discuss the tricky path ahead in a volatile Middle East. They'll end their day with an evening White House soiree, organized by first lady Melania Trump, to honor the prince. "They have been a great ally," Trump said of the Saudis on the eve of the visit."
U.S. intelligence concluded that agents likely acted at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed in the operation that sent relations into a tailspin. Prince Mohammed denies involvement. President Trump has embraced the crown prince and set aside the Khashoggi case as the leaders prepare to unveil billions in deals and cooperative initiatives. The crown prince will receive White House pomp including an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, an Oval Office meeting, a Cabinet Room luncheon and an evening East Room dinner hosted by the first lady. An investment summit at the Kennedy Center will include major corporate, health and energy institutions.
Read at Fortune
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