The Intelligence from The Economist Crown prince arming: Trump sells jets to MBS
13 snips
Nov 19, 2025 
James Fransham, Data Correspondent for The Economist, shares a quirky story about landlords using fake snail farms to dodge business rates, exposing loopholes in tax law. Emma Irving, Asian News Editor, discusses the alarming rollback of LGBT rights in Hong Kong under increasing Beijing pressure, highlighting public support but significant societal challenges. The conversation also touches on the implications of Trump’s warm welcome to MBS and new defense deals that could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
MBS's Washington Reset
- Donald Trump warmly restored Mohammed bin Salman's international standing, framing him as a friend and partner despite the Khashoggi finding.
- The visit secured weapons, tech deals and a strategic tilt that reshapes US-Saudi and regional dynamics.
F-35s Signal Regional Realignment
- The US announced a strategic defence pact and permission to sell 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, a major regional shift.
- Israel and regional balances face pressure because only Israel previously held such advanced fighters.
Treat Big Investment Claims Cautiously
- Expect economic incentives to underpin security deals; MBS pledged up to $1 trillion in investment in the US.
- Treat such headline figures as strategic signaling rather than fully specified capital flows.