Abstract

The repercussions of the sudden passing of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, heir to the Saudi throne, are seen greater than those that followed the death of his predecessor Prince Sultan nine months ago. Prince Naif, interior minister for almost four decades and in his late 70s, was appointed crown prince in October last year when his brother Prince Sultan died. He was widely known as a conservative figure in Saudi establishment who opposed to the more reform-minded approach of King Abdullah. Prince Salman, defence minister and former governor of Riyadh, was appointed as the new crown prince of Saudi Arabia on the 18th of June. He becomes crown prince as the country faces the threat of widespread turmoil in the Middle East and high unemployment at home. King Abdullah spent an additional 224 billion riyals ($60 billion) last year to create jobs, build homes and increase salaries for members of the armed forces. MEI will examine these matters in a special Breaking News Panel on Monday, June 25 at 3 pm in the MEI Seminar Room. The principal speaker will be Dr. Abdulaziz Al Sager, speaking from Geneva. Dr. Sara Bazoobandi, a Visiting Researcher at MEI specializing in Gulf affairs, and Dr. Michael Hudson, Director of MEI and who was recently in Saudi Arabia, will serve as commentators.