Summary

Now over six weeks removed from the Khashoggi assassination in Istanbul, the long-term future of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin-Salman (MBS) remains intact.

The prince has relied on the backing of powerful friends over this period, namely US President Donald Trump and his father King Salman, who is said to dote on the crown prince as his favorite son. Forces aligned against MBS over the past month and a half include an outraged public in various Western countries and figures within the Saudi royal family who regard MBS’ eventual ascension to the throne with growing dread.

For the time being, Mohammed Bin-Salman has weathered the storm. However, the Khashoggi affair could still come back to haunt him in the months and years to come.