A meeting that began 'with the usual pleasantries' soon turned into a public takedown - with analysts drawing comparisons to Trump's talks with President Zelensky.

How did a deceptively placid Ramaphosa climb such a colossal obstacle? Powerful, rich friends. A language that Trump understands too well.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa traveled to Washington, D.C., on Monday and will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss "global…