"This is not the real Saudi Arabia," Prince Mohammed said when asked by CBS News about the repressive version of Islam many outsiders associate with the kingdom. The crown prince is turning "Saudi Arabia into a normal country in which normal people lead normal lives," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters Monday. Saudi Arabia was accused of attempting to bring down Lebanon's government, which is strongly influenced by Iranian proxy Hezbollah. The crown prince could dangle a huge carrot in front of Trump for his support. Although the U.S. has welcomed Prince Mohammed's determination to purge pervasive corruption in Saudi Arabia, including by royals, the Trump administration hasn't endorsed his tactics.

Source: ABC News March 20, 2018 04:41 UTC