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The Allure of Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Crown Prince Continues To Have His Way
India is still healing from last week’s terrorist attack in the Pulwama region of India-controlled Kashmir. In one of the worst attacks the region has seen in the last fifty years, Pakistani-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that killed over 40 paramilitary police. India has accused Pakistan of aiding JeM in carrying out the attack. Leaders from across the political aisle are standing united in condemning the attack and are calling for an appropriate response. Major Indian industries have cancelled multi-million dollar deals and have cut ties with Pakistan. Trade preferences given to Pakistan under the Most Favoured Nation status have been removed and customs duties have been raised to 200%. Pakistan, on the other hand, has denied any role in the attack and has promised to fight back if India attacks. China, which has repeatedly vetoed India’s attempts to declare JeM leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN, has cautioned India to exercise restraint.
Against this backdrop, the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on an Asian tour visiting three countries: Pakistan, India and China.
On February 18, less than four days after the Pulwama attack, MbS arrived at Pakistan to a lavish…