Saudi Arabia: MBS dominant, alive and kicking. So is Opec

MBS at centre stage: Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman remains the centre of attention as autocrat and reformer, a populist who is ruthlessly concentrating power in his hands. His unpopularity among elements of the royal family and Islamist circles in May led to rumours he had been the victim of an assassination attempt or some other health and/or political problems. But MBS came back into public view as May wore on. On 30 May he visited the Kremlin in Moscow. for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. MBS was also guest of honour as Russia kicked off the FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia on 14 June.