Topic: Mbs

Saudi Arabia has declined to join the US-led Red Sea naval coalition to protect its peace deal with Iran and its exit from the Yemen war. The kingdom's move toward BRICS and local currency oil trading is viewed as a challenge to the long-standing dominance of the US petrodollar.

Senator Lindsey Graham appeared on BBC's Hard Talk to defend continued military aid to Ukraine, linking the conflict's outcome to the security of Taiwan. Graham also discussed his efforts to assist the Biden administration in brokering a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel. He argued that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is modernizing the kingdom and requires a long-term U.S. defense agreement.

Saudi Arabia provided a lavish welcome for Xi Jinping, contrasting with the muted reception for President Joe Biden earlier in the year. Reports indicate $30 billion in agreements were signed, focusing on technology and regional security. Meanwhile, a US judge dismissed a lawsuit against Mohammed bin Salman regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, citing immunity granted by the Biden administration.

Legal experts debated the State Department's decision to grant MBS immunity, citing the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and customary international law. While some argue that immunity is a standard diplomatic obligation for heads of state, others contend that MBS is not the true head of state in Saudi Arabia, as the King still holds that title. The decision is seen by many as a pragmatic move to secure oil production from the kingdom.

President Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia was marked by a controversial fist bump with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). While Biden claimed to have confronted MBS over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi officials later contradicted this account. The Washington Post criticized the meeting as providing "unwarranted redemption" for the Saudi leader.

President Biden’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is analyzed. The hosts criticize an NPR report for historical inaccuracies regarding the first Gulf War and the 1970s oil embargo, suggesting the media is reshaping the narrative to justify Biden's diplomatic pivot.

The discussion continues on the complexities of the US-Saudi alliance, touching on the 9/11 hijackers, the war in Yemen, and the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Clips highlight the contrast between Biden's campaign rhetoric calling Saudi Arabia a "pariah" and his current administration's pragmatic approach to regional security.

Sir Dave Fugazotto shared a vivid dream about visiting the "No Agenda Clubhouse" where he was taught the finer points of using a Bowie knife. Fugazotto, currently working in Saudi Arabia, also referenced rumors of mass sackings reaching Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The hosts performed a "make-good" read of the note after it was previously mangled by the back-office spreadsheet.

Producers share personal updates, including Matthew Lance's departure for Army basic training and various birthday shout-outs. David Fugazotto, the "Duke of America's Heartland," is recognized for his ongoing support. The segment maintains the show's tradition of acknowledging the personal milestones of its "executive producers."

The hosts discuss the possibility of a coordinated global financial reset, noting the 0% bank reserve requirements and the 1934 Gold Reserve Act. They analyze the impact of the oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, which has driven crude prices down to $22 and significantly affected the stock market.

Reports emerge of a new crackdown on the Saudi royal family by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Meanwhile, Sudan faces a severe economic crisis with citizens waiting in massive queues for fuel and bread, echoing conditions that led to the ousting of Omar al-Bashir.

Saudi Arabia initiates a massive oil price war by slashing crude prices and increasing production following a fallout with Russia and OPEC. The move has caused global prices to drop toward $28 a barrel, threatening the viability of American shale oil producers. Amidst the economic turmoil, rumors circulate that King Salman may be incapacitated or deceased, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) detains several high-ranking royal family members for treason.

Dr. Steve Pieczenik joins the program to argue that the Saudi oil facility attacks were a self-inflicted "false flag" intended to drive up oil prices ahead of the Saudi Aramco IPO. He claims the U.S. is now a net exporter of oil and does not depend on Saudi production. Pieczenik suggests Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is desperate to achieve a $2 trillion valuation for the company despite failing to go public in previous years.

Steve Pieczenik continues his analysis of Mohammed bin Salman's financial struggles, noting the Prince's failed attempts to diversify the Saudi economy through investments in high-tech and entertainment. The discussion highlights that the U.S. can replace Saudi supply deficits almost instantly with West Texas Permian oil. The hosts conclude that the recent market spike was a "nothing burger" that failed to sustain higher prices.

Saudi Arabia carried out mass executions of 37 prisoners, drawing international condemnation. At a Time 100 event, Jared Kushner defended the U.S. relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman despite the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, while comedian Hassan Minhaj criticized the administration's ties to the regime.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G20 summit, where he reportedly raised the issue of Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Trudeau claimed to have been briefed on intelligence regarding the killing but refused to characterize the alleged audio tape of the incident. Critics argue Trudeau's public stance is undermined by Canada's ongoing multi-billion dollar arms deals with the Saudi kingdom.

Media coverage of Michael Cohen's testimony was contrasted with Senator Lindsey Graham's harsh critique of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Graham famously stated that there is not a "smoking gun" but a "smoking saw" regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The phrase refers to the alleged use of a bone saw during the assassination at the Saudi consulate.

Senator Lindsey Graham faced criticism for claiming the Saudi royal family was not involved in the 9/11 attacks, a statement that contradicts the declassified "28 pages" of the 9/11 Commission Report. Graham's current stance against MBS is viewed by some as a maneuver to force a leadership change in the kingdom while maintaining long-term arms sales. There is speculation regarding a schism within the Saudi royal family and potential CIA involvement in the situation.

Jared Kushner appeared on CNN for a rare interview with Van Jones to discuss the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia following the Khashoggi killing. Kushner emphasized the need to wait for facts while maintaining strategic interests, despite acknowledging the deceptive nature of Middle Eastern politics.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) made his first public statement regarding the Khashoggi murder, calling it a "heinous crime" and vowing cooperation with Turkey. Meanwhile, CIA Director Gina Haspel traveled to Turkey to review evidence, including alleged audio recordings of the incident.