Saudi Arabia's estrangement

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has traveled around the world to try to reboot his tarnished reputation. He has had some success with other despots but he has become a polarizing figure who is damaging the kingdom’s brand. In the United States, the 75-year-old partnership is under great stress and risks losing its traditional bipartisan support.

The crown prince got an enthusiastic reception at the G-20 summit in Argentina only from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Even Donald Trump, his foremost protector, decided against a one-on-one meeting. Nonetheless the crown prince got the group photo he wanted, where he stood with the rest of the G-20 leaders, which is being used inside the kingdom to reassure Saudis that all is well.