Mohammed bin Salman was unlucky at the beginning of the week. Following the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, the Saudi Crown Prince actually wanted to meet Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 81-year-old president of Algeria.

The health-threatened long-time ruler could not receive the young crown prince. Official reason: a flu. Instead, MbS had to talk to the Algerian Prime Minister.

There is enough need for discussion between the two oil-rich Opec states. In early November, Saudi Arabia's oil production rose to a record 10.9 million barrels (159 liters) per day. Oil prices have been falling since 2014 - to the annoyance of Algeria, whose economy barely copes with dumping prices.

Saudi Arabia plans 16 nuclear power plants for civilian purposes

Since the wealth of the Wahhabi monarchy Saudi Arabia is based on the finite resource, Mohammed bin Salman has launched a radical plan to modernize the country economically and socially: Vision 2030.

In addition to a digital strategy, the strengthening of women's rights and the special economic zone "Neom" on the Red Sea, this includes, among other things, a civilian nuclear program.

According to the Saudi Arabian News Agency, MbS laid the foundation for the first nuclear reactor at the King Abdulaziz City Research and Technology Center in early November. In the next 25 years, Saudi Arabia plans to build a total of 16 state-of-the-art nuclear power plants.

DPA

MbS during his visit to the Research and Technology Center

Against this background, the question arises: Will MbS also a nuclear bomb? He himself answered the question in March of this year. "Saudi Arabia does not want to have a nuclear bomb, but no doubt, if Iran builds a nuclear bomb, we'll follow suit as soon as possible," Salman said in an interview with US television broadcaster CBS.

The fight for supremacy in the Middle East between the Sunni superpower Saudi Arabia and the Shiite Republic of Iran therefore plays a role in the Riads nuclear course.

"If he were in front of a jury, he would be found guilty in 30 minutes."

In addition, Saudi Arabia relies on technological support from abroad for its ambitious program. Above all, the United States are initially eligible for this. The most important decision-makers in the US administration are clearly on the side of Saudi Arabia: President Donald Trump, Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton.

AFP

Where does MbS lead Saudi Arabia?

They are determined opponents of the regime in Tehran and have ensured that the US withdraws from the international nuclear deal with Iran, that further sanctions will come into force - and that it will be able to buy Saudi Arabia missiles for billions of dollars.

However, since MbS is suspected of being involved in journalist Jamal Khashoggi's beastly assassination in early October, he has a massive credibility problem.

On Tuesday, CIA chief Gina Haspel briefed leading US politicians on their findings - behind closed doors. Republican Bob Corker then said, "If he were in front of a jury, he would be found guilty within 30 minutes."

In the video: "He is crazy, he is dangerous"

Video

DPA

And democrat Brad Sherman, referring to the alleged dismemberment of Khashoggi's body, said: "One should not entrust a nuclear weapon to a country that can not be trusted with a bone saw."

Saudi Arabia apparently wants to produce its own nuclear fuel

The 33-year-old crown prince led to information from the "New York Times" negotiations with the US Department of Energy on the purchase of nuclear power plants. Among other things, according to the newspapers, Saudi Arabia insists on producing its own nuclear fuel - even though buying abroad is cheaper. This demand is causing growing concern in Washington that Riad is secretly seeking to build a nuclear bomb.

For Trump, above all, the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and the jobs of the local voters count. The US company Westinghouse could handle the deal. But it is also clear that the Congress could block an agreement - but it would require a majority in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. The new balance of power following the Midterm elections and the indignant reactions of Democrats and Republicans to the Khashoggi affair make such a vote at least more likely at present.

According to the New York Times, people familiar with the facts point out that Saudi Arabia could look for other partners in a US veto worldwide, such as in China or Russia. Even the power-hungry MbS knows that.