The Fight for Survival Behind Saudi Arabias Purge (Slate)

[bronxiteforever]

By Joshua Keating
Nov 6,2017 2pm

So what is going on in Saudi Arabia? One important factor is that the upcoming transition from the current king, Salman, to his son, Mohammed bin Salman, will be a unique one. Since the death of the country’s founder, Abdulaziz, in 1953, all of his successors have been his sons, who have passed the crown down brother to brother. This has meant that the last few kings have all been very old men with very short reigns. The crown prince, who will be the first of the next generation to rule, is only 32. The current king is 81 and reportedly struggles with health problems—both physical and mental—so the transition could come soon, either through Salman’s death or his abdication.
Arguably the main international bright spot (for the Saudis)in recent years has been the election of Donald Trump. The Saudis were not fans of Barack Obama, given the Iran nuclear deal and his perceived lack of support for longtime U.S. ally Hosni Mubarak in Egypt. Trump, by contrast, has seemed to buy the Saudi worldview whole, framing Mideast politics during his speech in Riyadh in May as an existential battle against Iran. Weapons deals with America are in the works, and the administration has doubled down on support for Saudi combat in Yemen.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/11/06/the_fight_for_survival_behind_saudi_arabia_s_purge.html

[bronxiteforever]

1. Also this piece of Jared reporting

Mohammed has reportedly become very close to America’s own “prince,” Jared Kushner. According to the Washington Post’s David Ignatius, the two were up until 4 a.m. one night during the May trip “swapping stories and planning strategy.” The Sauds, who had a famously close relationship with the Bushes, may just prefer it when America has a ruling family.

[BigmanPigman]

2. This can't end well.

[bronxiteforever]

5. You got that right!

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Good info.!

Thanks

[bronxiteforever]

4. You are welcome!