Resolving the Dispute over Governance in Saudi Arabia Is Waiting For the American Bell
Mohammad al-Husseini
Has the account settling within the Saudi Arabian monarchy started? Did the dispute between the two Mohammads over the seizure of power reach a dead-end and the point of no return?
These two questions may be significant when examining developments that are now openly taking place on the Saudi stage. Some may see this as an exaggeration when reading the new reality in the area of disagreements, but the distant and close history is filled with fierce battles between conflicting sides in the Kingdom of Saud- which reached most of the time to the degree of murder and liquidation- likely raising the hypothesis of the two questions above.
Appointments at a sensitive time
The recent appointments by Saudi King Salman are nothing more than a natural result of the situation. They came at a sensitive time with both internal and external links, particularly at the level of laying the appropriate ground and paving the way for the smooth rise of Mohammed bin Salman. Salman is almost certain that the way is no longer fraught with obstacles as in the previous stage, especially since his father, the King, ensured removing all obstacles that may stand in his way.
Mohammed bin Salman was described by the American newspaper Christian Science Monitor as "the supreme authority in Saudi Arabia, while the Washington Post considered him the "basis of changing the kingdom". This consideration was confirmed by other channels such as "CNBC" and Bloomberg.
Encircling Bin Salman Internally
Internally, Mohammed bin Salman is acting as if he is holding the reins of power. The bonuses and benefits that accompanied the issuance of appointments are only a distraction for the Saudi street and taking eyes away from the map of power that he is drawing through the appointments of subordinate players in active positions who do not oppose his brother Khaled being appointed as ambassador to the United States -a position bestowed only on those with very high experience. These posts included sensitive positions in the intelligence, internal security and oil services with the aim to surround Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef and weaken his powers and influence. Bin Nayef was characterized as having a grip on the internal decision-making process and enjoying the confidence of most officials in state institutions.
Washington's neutrality ignites the dispute
Externally, and especially on the American side, the Trump administration is playing the usual and classic role of the US administrations in dealing with the Gulf issue, especially the Saudi issue. So far Washington has not revealed its stance towards either Mohammad or suggested that one is close to and chosen by the Americans.
On the contrary, the US neutrality has ignited the dispute. Both men consider themselves as the chosen person. The confident smile on Bin Nayef's face, his stigma, and inaction towards what is going on show that he is sure of himself and knows what is to come. While Bin Salman accelerates the steps of hegemony, as if taking the opportunity and time to confirm his worthiness and his right to be chosen by the decision-making circles in Washington.
Direct US Blackmail
There is no doubt that both men (Mohammed bin Nayef and Mohammed bin Salman) have equal chances with the US administration. It sees no stumbling block in the performance of Bin Nayef, who was and still is committed to the broad outlines of the American vision in the region.
The Americans see him as a safety valve and an element of activation of this vision. At the same time, they did not put any obstacles in the way of the ambitious Bin Salman.
No remarks were made about the appointment of Khaled as ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Washington, despite his lack of political and diplomatic experience. It also declined to criticize the Kingdom and its officials since it issued the "JUSTA Law", leaving room for the direct blackmail of Saudi Arabia to do its part in achieving American interests in the region.
When will Washington ring the bell?
Thus, Bin Salman and Bin Nayef seem to be at an equal distance, while Washington holds the stick in the middle. It sees no problem with the ongoing dispute as long as it does not reach boiling point and the US can deal with its consequence.
It even considers that any internal strife will provide it with the appropriate space to gain a firmer grip on the governance in Saudi Arabia.
Any ruler who comes will be nothing more than a puppet. There is no difference between Bin Salman or Bin Nayef, as long as one of them achieves what Washington wants. As for the time to resolve the dispute...wait for the American bell.
Al-Ahed News
