On this episode, we speak to Michael Ratney, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and longtime American diplomat with decades of experience across the Middle East.

Mr Ratney provides rare insights about the bilateral relationship, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman heads to Washington for what is being billed as a truly historic visit. We ask him what he expects of the visit and what his views are on the questions being raised about the strategic value of US alliances following the Israeli and Iranian strikes against Qatar last summer.