Special to WorldTribune.com By Gregory R. Copley, Editor, GIS/Defense & Foreign Affairs Saudi Arabia’s leadership succession restructuring and Cabinet reshuffle on April 29, offered important clues for the strategic shape of the region in the coming few years, and these may not be positive for the Kingdom. The leadership changes pulled the Kingdom back into […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — The Saudi royal family is torn by increasing tension over the prospect of succession. Arab diplomatic sources said dissension within the family’s 6,000 princes has reached a fever pitch as King Abdullah, believed to be 96, prepares for an imminent succession. For the first time, the princes have expressed […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Saudi King Abdullah was said to be dying of cancer. An opposition research group said Abdullah was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Washington-based Institute for Gulf Affairs, quoting sources in Saudi Arabia and the United States, said Abdullah was told he could be dead by the end of 2014. “The […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — On the day before the visit by U.S. President Barack Obama, Saudi Arabia has named its deputy prime minister to a position that placed him in line for the monarchy. King Abdullah has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz to deputy crown prince. Under the appointment, […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — A prominent Saudi said Riyad could consider the feasibility of joining any nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Former Saudi intelligence director Prince Turki Al Faisal said the Gulf Arab kingdom would not fall behind the nuclear weapons programs of Iran and Israel. “Our efforts and those of […]