Getting Saudi Arabia back on track
Saudis want the world in 2019 to refocus on economic investment, after unwelcome and distracting publicity
In the early part at least of 2019, Saudi Arabia's most urgent task will be to repair the damage to its international reputation. This was tainted over the past three years by the kingdom's conduct of the war in Yemen and the ensuing civilian suffering, which has left nearly 2mn people on the verge of starvation. But the real damage was caused by the murder in October 2018 of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. International revulsion at the manner and circumstances of the killing—and the kingdom's initial attempts to insist that Khashoggi was still alive—will not evaporate overnight. Despite allegations that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew about or even orde
![](/images/white-fade.png)
Also in this section
26 July 2024
Oil majors play it safe amid unfavourable terms in latest oil and gas licensing bid rounds allowing Chinese low-ball moves
25 July 2024
Despite huge efforts by India’s government to accelerate crude production, India’s dependency shows no sign of easing
24 July 2024
Diesel and jet fuel supplies face a timebomb in just four years, and even gasoline may not be immune
23 July 2024
Rosneft’s Arctic megaproject is happening despite sanctions, a lack of foreign investment and OPEC+ restrictions. But it will take a long time for its colossal potential to be realised