Saudi king upends royal succession, appoints son as crown prince

E-Paper | March 12, 2026

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has been relieved of his post and replaced by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a royal decree said on Wednesday, in a promotion for King Salman's 31-year-old son that confirms him as next ruler of the kingdom.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman becomes deputy prime minister and retains his defence and other portfolios, the decree issued by the Saudi state news agency SPA said.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, for years the kingdom's counter-terrorism chief who put down an al Qaeda campaign of bombings in 2003-06, is relieved of all positions, it said.

Even as deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman has been responsible for running Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, dictating an energy policy with global implications and behind the plans for the kingdom to build a future after oil.

Al Arabiya television reported that the promotion of the prince was approved by the kingdom's Allegiance Council, and that the king had called for a public pledging of loyalty to Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday evening in Makkah.

The surprise announcement follows 2.5 years of already major changes in Saudi Arabia, which stunned allies in 2015 by launching a war in Yemen, cutting old energy subsidies and in 2016 proposing partly privatising state oil company Aramco.

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Ashfaq

Jun 21, 2017 10:23am

Moment has come, that is going to decide fate of Aale Saud

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javed

Jun 21, 2017 10:25am

No surprise here. my only concern is Prince Mohammed bin Nayef's health.

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gangez khan

Jun 21, 2017 10:28am

The begining of the end!

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Qamar

Jun 21, 2017 10:34am

Saudi Arabia is going downhill very fast. The new crown prince will only accelerate the downhill slide.

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Khan

Jun 21, 2017 10:46am

The decision most likely will increase the rifts in the royal family

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Rajesh

Jun 21, 2017 10:55am

Only time will tell if it is a good or a bad move

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mastana

Jun 21, 2017 10:59am

Islam don't have monarch concept.

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Falcon1

Jun 21, 2017 11:00am

Oh what a great surprise! This war-monger prince is behind all the reckless decisions regarding Syria, Yemen, Egypt and now fiasco with Qatar - which he may be forced to backtrack from. The US State Dept has already issued statements reprimanding, in fact scolding both Saudis and Emiratees for lacking credibility in their accusations against Qatar, without foundation or presenting any evidence to the international community. Three weeks after the embargo started, these two states have yet to even present their grievances to the Americans or Qataris. They have no leg to stand on. And this Prince was the master mind of the embarrassing debacle - which even Pakistan bought in to. Now you know what to expect should he ever become the King??

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Ali Asghar

Jun 21, 2017 11:10am

Interesting development.

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STARZAN

Jun 21, 2017 11:17am

SalamuAaekum! Congratulations to the newly appointed Saudi Arab Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman! Be the good servant to the people of Saudi Arab! JazakAllahuKhair!

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Imtiaz Mahmood

Jun 21, 2017 11:23am

Under Crown Prince, Yemen was attached without informing US. Gambling to invade Qatar will not surprise many. Pakistan's policy of not siding with either makes sense. It will make even more sense if Raheel Shareef is called back.

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Ahmed Hanif

Jun 21, 2017 11:33am

Not a good news for Saudi Arabia. Money will be drained out of KSA.

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Ahsan gul

Jun 21, 2017 12:20pm

Democracy should be the rule and not passing baton to sons and relatives in Saudi Arabia.

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Khaled

Jun 21, 2017 12:25pm

It was expected, change is always good.

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Muhammad

Jun 21, 2017 12:27pm

Good decision, Muhammad bin suliman is a talented guy and can lead SA in successful way with modern challenges faced to KSA.

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Skeptic

Jun 21, 2017 12:34pm

@Muhammad - Do you even know anything about him? Does he have any credentials, much less talent and experience in any field?? Ignorance is bliss!

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Jun 21, 2017 12:34pm

A Pakistani living there predicted two weeks ago that Nayef will be gone very soon. Writing was on the wall I guess. This Father son duo is going to bring the Kingdom down with internal strife. Pakistan and Turkey should keep their forces ready.

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Dawood Shar UK

Jun 21, 2017 12:37pm

Most repressive regim in the world. Saud family changed the historical name of the country to their family name. Before they dismissed Brother Prince Muqram now his brother Naif son Ahmad bin Naif and his son Muhammad bin Salman, who is hard liners with Yemen and Qatar he is put his attention towards war and fire.

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Fayyaz

Jun 21, 2017 12:39pm

Since there is no formula for change, so there is no criterion to say it is right or wrong; but surely Monarchs are Nepotistic. His involvement in many fronts in the last 3 yrs is really scary in Middle East. He is unable to finish or solve any thing he started off.

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Zia

Jun 21, 2017 12:41pm

Thanks Trump. More anarchy in the Middle East Gulf.

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Jun 21, 2017 12:45pm

KSA will impose iqma charges where one has to pay 100 riyals per dependent per month in advance for the stay this charge will increase by 100 riyals every month per succeeding year.

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ABE

Jun 21, 2017 12:47pm

@Muhammad FYI, the only talent this guy has is starting wars in Yemen and creating more chaos in Iraq and Syria, while building ties with Israeli lobbies. Yeah, he will do 'great' for KSA and the Muslim world!

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Hassan

Jun 21, 2017 12:47pm

Time will tell that king Salman's policies reagrding the arab and muslim world, violating the rules to rule the kingdom by diverting them in his own family favor and ignoring the other royal family senior members will be a great damage and loss for the kingdom.

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Shah

Jun 21, 2017 12:48pm

I think this will make middle east all indulges in a deadly war with iran and lead to the big war!!

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Observer

Jun 21, 2017 12:49pm

@Muhammad like Yemen

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Mohammad Iqbal

Jun 21, 2017 12:50pm

Nothing new in Saudi History. In fact Prince Naif was the last to be named King, but due his age and health, it was a wise decision to bring in young blood. Now Mr. Everything Prince Muhammad can rule Saudia for atleast two decades without any change in leadership.

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M.Saeed

Jun 21, 2017 12:53pm

Such intrigues are very normal in absolute monarchies.

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fareed hussain

Jun 21, 2017 12:58pm

the count down has started, current rulers are going to lose the reign of the country and for surely the hold land. they have harmed the unity of Muslim community lately

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Ali

Jun 21, 2017 01:01pm

This is a very bad move. He is a young hot head when the country needs a more wiser person to govern it. His vision 2030 program was more of a mirage than a vision - it had no grounding in reality. The war in Yemen was a stupid move. Saudi will pay the price for this poor move for decades to come when they can least afford it. The age of oil is coming to an end faster than anyone ever predicted and the country needs more experienced/wiser heads. He is just a spoiled prince.

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Razi

Jun 21, 2017 01:07pm

He should have rather introduced parliamentary form of democracy in the country. The people should rule as they are now heading towards an economic turmoil.

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Muhammad

Jun 21, 2017 01:10pm

It was expected but people of Middle East specially Saudi public need democracy not despotic monarchy

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Realist

Jun 21, 2017 01:11pm

He is a capable person. Trying hard to take Saudi Arabia away from its dependence on oil. Good choice I say.

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Kabir

Jun 21, 2017 01:12pm

@Khaled "change is always good" what change one prince replaces another prince Muslim world need real democracy these Kings will keep the Muslim world backward and subservient to USA

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Abdulkarim

Jun 21, 2017 01:16pm

@STARZAN The Saudi royal family aren't servants of its people but rather the people are their subjects.

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Kabir

Jun 21, 2017 01:19pm

@Muhammad "Muhammad bin suliman is a talented guy" No he has a belligerent attitude and infact he is running the affairs of Kingdom as King Suliman is too old to handle the affairs and look at what he did to the region he imposed war on poor Yemen, escalated tension with Iran and Qatar

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saz

Jun 21, 2017 01:24pm

Now they will fight each others and will cherish the same fate what they prepared for their opponents and arch rivals.

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Abdulla Hussain

Jun 21, 2017 01:28pm

Whatever decision the Kingdom takes will surely benefit the country. The new crown prince is qualified enough to steer the kingdom towards even more brighter tomorrow. Pakistan will surely support all such moves. Long live KSA.

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mohammad

Jun 21, 2017 01:41pm

it could lead to the fragmentation of saudi arabia

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haris

Jun 21, 2017 01:48pm

@Realist : "Trying hard to take Saudi Arabia away from its dependence on oil" because he has no other choice. This has to be done at least 15 years ago. The World is not paying any heed to OPEC bullying barbs and the West the China all are investing heavily on sources of energies other than oil.

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Abdulkarim

Jun 21, 2017 01:50pm

Atlast the appointment of 80 year old early 20th century kings have ended.What differentiates Prince Muhammed from the other members of the royal family is his openess towards change and the will to break the status quo.His views on rights of the women are only second to Prince Waleed bin Talal and is also much loved by his people.My only concern is the possible repurcussions from the senior members of the royal family.

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WARRIs

Jun 21, 2017 01:50pm

Smells strongly of American influence!!

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Truth

Jun 21, 2017 01:53pm

This reckless Prince, the instrument of all the carnage and suffering in Syria, Iraq and Yemen will lead to the ultimate demise of the House of Saud.

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Junaid Anwar

Jun 21, 2017 01:58pm

expected move , be ready for the beginning of the end.

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Sniffer

Jun 21, 2017 01:59pm

I smell an Uncle Sam behind this.

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Wahab

Jun 21, 2017 02:01pm

So they removed the person who fought and was successful against Al Qaeda ... Interesting...I'm sure world leaders will take note and understand where the saudi's true loyalty lies - peace or war.

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Aasim Mirza

Jun 21, 2017 02:03pm

Finally the war of succession has started.

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GHANi K

Jun 21, 2017 02:04pm

Quite unusual, son replacing his father. Beginning of the rift among the Royals of Al Saud. It was bound to happen, family is too large , now clash of interest.

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amiq

Jun 21, 2017 02:16pm

Autocratic ruler. Saudi royals are loosing respect from all Muslim world.

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shakil

Jun 21, 2017 02:17pm

Power garb! this bound to have some infighting in royal families.

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Alfatmi

Jun 21, 2017 02:20pm

Saudi Arabia has taken a very bold step. The young leadership is set to take the country to the next level and make a big change.

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M. Shujaat

Jun 21, 2017 02:23pm

KSA seems to going down the hill. M Shujaa Lahore

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Kabir

Jun 21, 2017 02:31pm

@Falcon1 Most comprehensive comments otherwise most of the commentators are totally ignorant of the fact s

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Kabir

Jun 21, 2017 02:36pm

@Realist "He is a capable person" Yes he is capable person and he has already proved it that how he made the whole region volatile by his actions in Syria, Yemen and Qatar

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Jun 21, 2017 02:38pm

Let this should be the end of kingship for people to have choice of freedom.

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Shan

Jun 21, 2017 02:46pm

Very good decision finally based on merit.

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Falcon1

Jun 21, 2017 02:47pm

@Kabir Glad to know there are some well-informed and learned folks out there who don't have their heads buried in the sand, or up the Saudi.....!!!!

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Nadeem

Jun 21, 2017 02:58pm

Given that he is 30ish now, and assuming he lives to around 80+ age, he will be running the country for 50+ years. Will the cousins let him do that?

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Skeptic

Jun 21, 2017 03:02pm

@Realist "He is a capable person"? Yes, just look at his capabilities to destroy three neighboring countries in one fell swoop. And this is before Saudis had signed that $350 Billion Arms deal with Trump during the much touted 'Muslim Unity' conference three weeks ago. After his capabilities are fully realized, a million plus Pakistanis and countless other expats will be heading home from the Gulf, with nothing to show for their years of hard work the scorching heat of Arabia - jobless, hopeless and in shock!

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RATHEESH

Jun 21, 2017 03:19pm

"Prince Mohammed bin Nayef" was Better!!!

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AMK US

Jun 21, 2017 03:20pm

Sad commentary of the country risen from iconic Islamic tradition's. The latest actions of the kingdom rulers are particularly very telling of their war mothering agenda using division and chaos. May be beginning of an imminent end!

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Arshad

Jun 21, 2017 03:25pm

A new "Pharaoh" is rising in ME !

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Kabir

Jun 21, 2017 03:43pm

@Abdulla Hussain "Pakistan will surely support all such moves. Long live KSA." Pakistan is democratic country and hence it should not support a despotic monarchy Long live Pakistan and prayers for democratic values.

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Mahmood

Jun 21, 2017 03:47pm

This the end of Arab Royalties who used Oil as a leverage for a long time. With OPEC becoming irrelevant, GCC fractured and incapable of resolving its own internal issues, OIC as toothless under the the Saudi leadership, Oil becoming less important thanks to alternative energy source - solar, wind and green energy - the Oil Sheikhs have their days numbered. Hence the race to create more bizarre Disneyland-like theme parks, malls, airlines, towers and fancy hotels. With rising instability in the region, it is hard to imagine anyone wanting to vacation in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai or Manama. Most of my friends from Europe, US and Australia have already expressed apprehensions about traveling through the region or Gulf carriers - be it Eitehad, Emirates or Qatar. So they have shot themselves in the foot, and the gun was in the hand of this novice Prince.

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AHAQ

Jun 21, 2017 04:10pm

No surprise there the way things are going recently with the mood of confrontation versus reconciliation and clear backing of Trump and company

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Wise

Jun 21, 2017 04:11pm

Most of the conflicts in the Islamic world emanate from house of Saud. Until Saudis embrace democracy there will be no peace in the region. Replacing nephew by son doesn't change a thing. Unless it starts a palace fight.

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AHAQ

Jun 21, 2017 04:17pm

@Realist surely wont happen until a system is established where talent gets a chance to rise up and be recognized. A Democratic progressive system is the first step towards that goal and not a system based on nepotism and influence.

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Ahsan gul

Jun 21, 2017 04:26pm

This the problem with all Muslims leaders in power to see their sons or heirs getting elected or chosen after them. Looks like that Saudi Arabia will have drastic changes in near future.

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FeedaaAli

Jun 21, 2017 04:55pm

Trump effect is taking place.

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Nadeem

Jun 21, 2017 05:03pm

@Mahmood His own airline is Saudia, which no one flies anyway. So nothing to lose there!

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M. Siddique

Jun 21, 2017 05:40pm

Most Muslims do not like that power boat be rocked in Saudi Arabia because two holiest cities lie within Saudi Arabia. Muslim cannot afford a turmoil in the kingdom no matter how good or bad the king may be. That is one reason Saudi royal family is never inclined to reform the system. They take advantage of the feelings of Muslim diaspora.

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Nadim

Jun 21, 2017 05:54pm

Defence minister at the age of 31, no wonder Middle East is in facing crisis.

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Luqman Hafeez

Jun 21, 2017 06:12pm

@javed This is really funny. Are you really concerned with Prince Mohammed bin Nayef's health? For what? How does it affect you, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia or the world in general?

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alba

Jun 21, 2017 07:21pm

Saudi king upends royal succession. The king anoints not appoints his son crown prince. "He is a good boy. You will like him." So much for Saudi solidarity.

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Seedoo

Jun 21, 2017 07:51pm

The faster the demise of these despot Saudi rulers, the better for humanity.

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Tariq Siddiqui

Jun 21, 2017 08:19pm

Recent events in Saudi Arabia have been disconcerting! I hope common sense prevails and there is a stability in the country and in the region! There is already a enough turmoil for Muslims in Middle East!

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shami

Jun 21, 2017 09:49pm

He is the architect of all wars wthether yemrn, syria, iran or iraq and now towards qatar. He has introduced and caused difficulties for foreign expatriates by replacing them with lazy saudis. The downfall of monarchy has already started.

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From USA S.A.Hyder, Ph.D.

Jun 22, 2017 01:11am

Prince Salman being rewarded for the killing of Yemenis.

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Zak

Jun 22, 2017 01:22am

Prince Salman seems a bit 'gung ho' and was an advocate of going into the yemen war, in which they are stuck.

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Axion

Jun 22, 2017 01:57am

Feeling so sorry for the poor and suffering people of Yemen. Bombed, starved, with pestilence engulfing them and pounded into the ground by the orders of none other than Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I am praying that the oppressors of this world think about what they are doing and reverse course...

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ejaz

Jun 22, 2017 02:54am

Wow! It is major change. I believe he will become king within couple years. He could be in power for next 50 years.I don't know his feeling towards Pakistan?

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Fazal Karim

Jun 22, 2017 03:28am

Let us hope for better. Saudi long term defence lies in increasing population by granting nationality to educated persons working in Saudi Arabia for more than ten years. In that case they will less dependent on foreigners.

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ammara

Jun 22, 2017 04:13am

good decision hes young and energetic....Muhammad Bin Naif's health was a major concern....Saudi Arabia needed Young Leaders like Muhammmad Bin Sulaman

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Ayub

Jun 22, 2017 07:13am

Muhammad Bin Salma is a young, energetic and talented person. He may craftily handle the challenges and to get the Kingdom out of current crisis. Wish him best of luck and success!

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khan afnan

Jun 22, 2017 10:19am

I think young Blood will deal ksa affairs in better way,inshallah

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Ayaz Ahmad Guru

Jun 22, 2017 11:03am

This is dictatorship, nepotism, plutocracy theocracy all other forms of "government" which are not allowed in a civilized world.

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Pace Rent a car In Lahore

Jun 22, 2017 02:09pm

Wait and watch for picture behind screen

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Truth

Jun 22, 2017 02:27pm

@Muhammad It is the democracy which is fit to their need. the word democracy have multiple facets ... ponder

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Shahid Khan

Jun 22, 2017 04:20pm

This is the biggest blunder. He is too young and has no experience at all. In fact he's even lead KSA into a war in Yemen that they have begun to loose. King Salman is too old to rule. Now this has occured where an inexperienced ruler whose made miscalculations has been appointed on the basis of nepotism as father favors owing to relation and political power professionally, conflict of interest. In fact M Bin Nayef was in his 60's being the right age and also next in line having merit. So now wrong means result in wrong ends. Good luck to KSA.

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