There is no guarantee MbS will become king. It’s complex internal family politics. Even if MbS does become king, he has to be wary of his subjects who are outraged at what is happening. Just as with the compliant Sisi in Egypt, what is happening to the Palestinians could become a flashpoint for revolution in S.A. . As for the American “card”, making up with Iran and co-operating with Russia on oil are signs that the “card” has expired.