The premeditated murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul last month was an act of terrorism. The Saudis are desperately trying to salvage the reputation and credibility of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who undoubtedly ordered the assassination. The Donald Trump administration is colluding with Riyadh. But revelations about the prince continue to emerge, further sullying his brand. At home there is unease in the royal family about what his tarnished reputation means for the kingdom.
The prince has done a tour of the kingdom with his father to shore up support at home. It concluded in Tabuk near the Gulf of Aqaba with billions of dollars in new projects and investment promised for the remote province. It is rumored in Riyadh that King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud may retire to Tabuk if his health deteriorates further. He has recently built a new palace in the region.
Next is a regional tour starting in Abu Dhabi with a visit to the prince's closest ally, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayid. MBZ, as he is called, has staked the Emirates future on the Saudi crown prince, who is also known as MBS. The Emirates is potentially the biggest loser if his Saudi protege continues to implode. Already Saudis have become resentful of the outsize influence the Gulf leader has in the kingdom.
The prince is also visiting two Saudi clients, Bahrain and Egypt, both with horrendous human rights records. Bahrain has been occupied by the Saudi National Guard since 2011. The Saudis played a key covert role in the 2013 coup that brought Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to power. MBS is assured of fawning receptions on the tour. Stops elsewhere are likely to be less harmonious.
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