As Saudi Prince Visits U.S., Shale Transforms Oil Relationship

Mohammed bin SalmanPhotographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
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From Franklin Roosevelt to George W. Bush, American presidents saw oil as the cornerstone of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. -- a steady supply from the Middle East’s largest exporter was considered crucial to the economy’s well-being.

As Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman travels to America this week, the Texas-to-North Dakota shale boom has transformed the equation. While strong relations are considered crucial to the national security of both countries, energy will probably be lower down the agenda when the prince visits President Donald Trump’s White House