The words “historic” and “groundbreaking” are probably used far too often by pundits. Sometimes, they are awfully misplaced, such as when used in contexts like that of former US President Barack Obama’s Cairo speech of 2009.

As President Donald Trump prepares to return to Saudi Arabia for what is expected to be the first international stop in this new chapter of his political life, the significance of the visit cannot be overstated — nor could its timing be more crucial.

Military escalations are always worrying, but as we have witnessed on and since Oct. 7 last year, the gloves in the Middle East are now well and truly off. It is like a Royal Rumble match with no referee, and with none of the wrestlers willing to end the fight when they hear the bell.

I recently had the pleasure of watching the uniquely talented actor Dominic West in Arthur Miller’s 1955 masterpiece “A View From The Bridge” at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End.

Better late than never, as they say, and it is indeed positive to see the relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia finally heading in the right direction.