Gird your loins: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Dies

Onkel Neal · 01-22-15, 06:42 PM

What happens next?
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/sa...ounces-n291766

Quote:

audi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died, state television announced early Friday. Abdullah, who took power in 2005 after the death of his brother King Fahd, was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 31, state media reported at the time.

Schroeder · 01-22-15, 06:58 PM

There is usually no shortage of princes to fill the gap. I don't think a lot will change, at least not for the better but I'm a professional pessimist so hopefully I'm wrong.

Oberon · 01-22-15, 07:08 PM

A quick wiki read indicates that Salman seems much like the deceased King, diplomatic, western orientated and a reformist, but not really one for political reform but economic, so don't expect much to change, if anything the conservatives might be able to push some reforms back which will annoy the increasing reform crowd in Saudi Arabia.

Time will tell... Yemen looks like it's about to break apart, probably in a civil war, so that will probably be his first diplomatic challenge to talk with the west about.

Jimbuna · 01-23-15, 06:25 AM

As far as I'm aware King Abdullah was popular with the people as is Salman who has already called on the royal family's Allegiance Council to recognise Muqrin as his heir. He swiftly appointed Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as deputy crown prince, making him second in line to the throne, and named his own son, Mohammed bin Salman, as defence minister.

I think it is unlikely their will be any major shift in Saudi current policies.

Oberon · 01-23-15, 09:03 AM

Penguin · 01-24-15, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oberon

Now I get the UK's decision to lower the flags: it was out of courtesy for not decapitating Liz for her heretic behaviour!

01-22-15, 06:58 PM	#2
Schroeder Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Banana Republic of Germany Posts: 6,170 Downloads: 62 Uploads: 0	There is usually no shortage of princes to fill the gap. I don't think a lot will change, at least not for the better but I'm a professional pessimist so hopefully I'm wrong. __________________ Putting Germ back into Germany.

01-23-15, 06:25 AM	#4
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,539 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	As far as I'm aware King Abdullah was popular with the people as is Salman who has already called on the royal family's Allegiance Council to recognise Muqrin as his heir. He swiftly appointed Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as deputy crown prince, making him second in line to the throne, and named his own son, Mohammed bin Salman, as defence minister. I think it is unlikely their will be any major shift in Saudi current policies. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

01-22-15, 07:08 PM	#3
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	A quick wiki read indicates that Salman seems much like the deceased King, diplomatic, western orientated and a reformist, but not really one for political reform but economic, so don't expect much to change, if anything the conservatives might be able to push some reforms back which will annoy the increasing reform crowd in Saudi Arabia. Time will tell... Yemen looks like it's about to break apart, probably in a civil war, so that will probably be his first diplomatic challenge to talk with the west about.

01-23-15, 09:03 AM	#5
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20