Blood and Oil

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From award-winning Wall Street Journal reporters Justin Scheck and Bradley Hope, this insightful examination of Saudi Arabia's ruling family uncovers the emergence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a charismatic yet ruthless leader. His rapid ascent shocked the globe, attracting political and business figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who believed in his reformative ambitions. MBS advocated for women's participation in the workforce, lifted the ban on women driving, and sought investments in Silicon Valley. However, beneath his polished exterior, an erratic nature began to surface, marked by allegations of brutality, including the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He silenced dissent by detaining hundreds, including prominent royals, while flaunting his wealth through extravagant purchases like a $70 million chateau and a luxurious yacht. His disregard for global perception highlighted his autocratic tendencies. This gripping investigative work reveals how MBS's rise coincides with the unraveling of the longstanding U.S.-Saudi relationship, based on oil for military protection. The stakes are high, as an ambitious prince with extraordinary power could destabilize the region or reshape it, with potential global repercussions depending on the outcome of his transformative vision.