The preliminary steps of the “white coup” are proceeding gradually in Saudi Arabia. However, the pace has accelerated in the past few weeks, suggesting that the transfer of power is imminent. Observers cannot but stop and ponder the frequent reshuffling in the position of deputy minister of defense.
Just over a year ago, Khaled Bin Sultan, son of late Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, occupied the position. However, following the death of his father and his uncle Nayef coming to power as the crown prince in October 2011, a decree was issued on April 20, 2013, to dismiss Khaled and appoint Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Saud. The appointment lasted only a few months before Fahd was dismissed on Aug. 6, 2013, and replaced by Salman bin Sultan. Yet, Sultan's other son fared no better than his brother as deputy defense minister, as he lasted in the position no longer than nine months. On May 14, 2014, Salman was also removed — “by his own will,” as he insisted. Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz was appointed in his place.
