The new US administration has made no secret its intention not to deal with MbS or his younger brother Khalid, who was ambassador to the US and a key facilitator in the conspiracy to kill Jamal Khashoggi. My premise is that Biden obviously wants Mohamed bin Nayef or someone else to take the seat of power in Saudi Arabia.
I have a few points for discussion
www.theguardian.com
I have a few points for discussion
- MbS is no longer just MbS. He is an integral part of a new regional coalition that includes MbZ in the UAE, Sisi in Egypt, and whoever is in power in Israel
- MbS is already deified in Saudi Arabia. His aggressive campaign since 2015 to uproot and disappear any lick of opposition to his rule was delivered with brute force and has been largely successful
- How serious is Biden about this? It is certainly unprecedented that a sitting US President so publicly embarrasses a powerful ally. Is my premise false to begin with? Is this just a hiccup that will pass when MbS agrees to release a bunch of people from jail, get rid of Assiri, Qahtani and al Sheikh, and loosen his grip on power?
- What happens if King Salman dies before such plan, if true, is complete?
- MbS isn't known for his restraint. How much damage can he cause to protect himself or lash out at the US? Does he have any cards? Can his fierce opposition to Iran be a card in his hand (by way of facilitating US interests in a potential nuclear deal or even a strike)?
- Are either Mohamed bin Nayef or Ahmed bin Abdulaziz (both arrested Feb 2020 but quickly receded into oblivion because COVID) still alive or capable of leading? Would MbS move quickly to neutralize them if he feels they could replace him?
Khashoggi: statement clarifying US stance on Saudi Arabia due on Monday
Biden’s announcement comes after Saudi exiles express shock over lack of sanctions against Mohammed bin Salman over killing of journalist
