Roger Bennett and Tommy Vietor take a look at the history of Saudi Arabia, US-Saudi relations, and the Kingdom’s path to becoming a geopolitical force. They trace the unlikely rise of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman from a lowly place in the royal hierarchy to de facto leader of the country, and examine his record of enacting major social reforms while brutally cracking down on critics and rivals. Guests Ben Hubbard, Sarah Leah Whitson, and Khalid Al Jabri provide insight through stories about the infamous lock-up at the Ritz Carlton in Riyadh, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the disappearance of even the family members of MBS’ political rivals. And finally, they unpack what MBS’ massive investment into soccer means for the global game. Listen to the second episode of this four-part series to find out.
Will China arm Putin?
One year of war in Ukraine
Biden goes to Ukraine
Alien Balloon Invasion
InflateGate: Biden vs Balloon
Israel attacks Iran
Tanks for Nothing
How to handle the Biden docs
Brazil's January 6th?
New year, old problems
“Can language be more inclusive?”
Understanding Iran
Brittney Griner is Home (with Jen Psaki)
Standing up to autocrats (and royals)
World Corrupt Episode 7: Stoppage Time!
Covid protests rock China
World Corrupt Episode 6: A Dystopian World Cup
Thanksgiving Mailbag!
Did Russia bomb Poland?
Hope from Brazil
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