Saudi king names son as Makkah governor
Analysts say changes reflect a desire by King Abdullah to establish his sons in key positions for the future.
File photo of the Kaaba. PHOTO: AFP
RIYADH:
In a rolling reshuffle of senior ruling-family members, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on Sunday appointed his son Prince Mishaal as governor of Makkah Province, one of the most prominent positions in the kingdom.
Prince Mishaal replaces Prince Khaled al-Faisal, who has been made education minister, a move that may revive stalled educational reforms aimed at reducing the influence of religious conservatives, Saudi analysts said.
The appointments were announced in a royal decree carried by state media. Since 2011, a series of deaths, retirements and promotions mean most top government positions held by princes, plus the three top provincial governor jobs, have changed hands after decades.
Analysts have said the changes reflect a desire by King Abdullah, who is thought to be 90, to establish his sons and other allies in key positions for the future.
“Appointing a son of the king to one of the major governorates in the kingdom is noteworthy. He is giving his sons a big chance to have a place in the succession process,” said Khaled al-Dakhil, a Saudi political scientist.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2013.
In a rolling reshuffle of senior ruling-family members, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on Sunday appointed his son Prince Mishaal as governor of Makkah Province, one of the most prominent positions in the kingdom.
Prince Mishaal replaces Prince Khaled al-Faisal, who has been made education minister, a move that may revive stalled educational reforms aimed at reducing the influence of religious conservatives, Saudi analysts said.
The appointments were announced in a royal decree carried by state media. Since 2011, a series of deaths, retirements and promotions mean most top government positions held by princes, plus the three top provincial governor jobs, have changed hands after decades.
Analysts have said the changes reflect a desire by King Abdullah, who is thought to be 90, to establish his sons and other allies in key positions for the future.
“Appointing a son of the king to one of the major governorates in the kingdom is noteworthy. He is giving his sons a big chance to have a place in the succession process,” said Khaled al-Dakhil, a Saudi political scientist.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2013.