Assad's Regional Comeback Signals Shift in Global Order.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) is forging ties with other global powers and reshaping relations with shared foes, reasserting Saudi Arabia as a regional power. MbS's effusive greeting of President Bashar al-Assad at the Arab summit with kissed cheeks and a warm embrace defied U.S. disapproval at Syria's return to the fold and capped a turnabout in the prince's fortunes spurred by geopolitical realities. Riyadh's pivot away from reliance on the United States was evident when China mediated this year a settlement between Riyadh and its arch regional foe Iran after years of hostility.