MBS vs MBZ: the acrimonious battle of the Mohammeds that will define the Gulf’s future

The deal between the US and Saudi Arabia to help the Gulf kingdom develop nuclear energy is a coup for Mohammed bin Salman. Some observers believe he played President Trump, letting it be known that if the US did not offer nuclear know-how, he would have happily collaborated with China, Pakistan, or even Russia. However it came about, the announcement heralds the start of a nuclear arms race in the Gulf, which will play out across the region over the coming years. It throws into sharp relief the intriguing relationship between the region’s two most powerful figures: Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi. MBZ was […]