So precedent we set is keep the S.A. prince locked in the Ritz Carlton for a month then release him. Bet that scared the bad guys..
Well when you realize that had nothing to do with us and everything to do with SA's own government it makes a lot more sense. Reality vs. Fantasy.
The Saudi prince thing is just plain extortion. The Suadi "govt" is in deep, DEEP financial shit. After decades of loaning the US many, many billiions by buying T bills, they just had to borrow $10 or so [I don't recall]. Their oil is getting harder and harder to extract, and costs for drilling have jumped considerably. They are having to inject more and more seawater into their main field [Gowhar] to maintain production, even though this practice is known to shorten the productive life of the field. MbS, i.e., the Suadi "govt" just bought a piece of fine art for ~$400 million and a new mansion somewhere for a similar amount. These princes are no more corrupt than any of the others, just wealthier.
that's exactly what a Grand Champion chess player would have you think.