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Next Saudi royal generation takes lead

Although stability seems to prevail in Saudi Arabia under the reign of King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, future rulers are likely to face a slew of problems.
The Erga Palace is seen at sundown as U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Saudi Arabia's King Salman inside the palace in Riyadh January 27, 2015. Obama sought to cement ties with Saudi Arabia as he came to pay his respects on Tuesday after the death of King Abdullah, a trip that underscores the importance of a U.S.-Saudi alliance that extends beyond oil interests to regional security. REUTERS/Jim Bourg (SAUDI ARABIA) - RTR4N63W
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During a June 3 meeting at Al-Salam Royal Palace in Jeddah with officials concerned with the fight against corruption, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud said, “Any citizen has the right to file a lawsuit against the king, crown prince or any member of the royal family.” He referred to a case in 1928, when an indebted citizen sued Salman's father, King Abdul-Aziz, before Riyadh judge Sheikh Saad bin Atiq.

Regardless of the plausibility of such an incident happening again, the fact that Salman mentioned such a story shows that he aims to emphasize the Saudi regime’s conservative approach and the tight relations between the regime and the Salafist institution. Saudi rulers are subject to Salafist provisions, unlike other state rulers. It is also indicative of Salman’s strong memory.

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