From 'Pariah' to Power Player: MBS' Triumphant Washington Comeback


December 2, 2025

GW | Elliott text next to a photo of Professor and Ambassador (Ret.) Gordon Gray

"From 'Pariah' to Power Player: MBS' Triumphant Washington Comeback," is the latest article from Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs Ambassador (Ret.) Gordon Gray. Published in the National Security Journal, Gray's text charts Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's relationship with Washington and concludes that the latter's November 2025 visit to the US capital, "marked a full rehabilitation from 'pariah' to prized partner." Gray concludes that the visit witnessed notable "pomp and circumstance" while simultaneously producing "big wins" for Saudi Arabia on the security and AI fronts. To learn more check out the complete article.