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A Royal Purge: Public Relations or Private Scores?

money grab?

The arrests of Turki bin Abdallah and al-Tuwayjiri also suggest this was something of a move against the legacy of Abdallah himself. In one sense, MbS is ensuring that only his, the Salmani, line perpetuates the dynasty from here on. Even if princes such as Mit'ab were "allowed" to step down from their positions with dignity intact, as long as they remain alive they represent a still viable alternative to succession, given that their credentials are every bit as respectable as Muhammad's, who was virtually unknown before rocketing to prominence in the last three years. Apart from more drastic measures, the most effective way of permanently diminishing their status (and hence, eligibility for future succession) is through public arrest and humiliation, asset forfeiture, and the resulting stain to their reputation. The further detention of al-Tuwayjiri (long since disgraced as having been an undue influence on the king while he served), is a visible manifestation of the thrust behind the crown prince's scheme, representing as he did a connection to an era now in the process of being purposefully depreciated. MbS has ensured that any viable claim to the throne from Abdallah's family line will never rise to the level of serious consideration; severed from their power base and discredited publicly, its members will be allowed to fade into gentle obscurity.

The family line of Muhammad bin Nayif has met with a similar fate. The fearsome Interior Ministry was the fiefdom of Nayif (another of the al-Sudayri, and one-time crown prince) for decades, whilst son Muhammad later enjoyed excellent relations with his American counterparts by virtue of his counter-terrorism successes. Despite the wishes of many in Intelligence and State, the Americans (or at least, President Trump) seem to have thrown their weight behind MbS (who has good relations with Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner). The Interior Ministry has already been swept clean, after Muhammad bin Nayif was suddenly removed from his post as crown prince in the spring; with his arrest (his assets are reportedly frozen), the family line has no further credible claim to succession. Defence, Interior, and SANG are now fully under the control of MbS, who no longer has any worries about a challenge from the flank.

Several princes as yet remain unaccounted for, including Abd al-Aziz bin Fahd (said to be in treatment, along with Mit'ab, for injuries sustained from torture; a mobile clinic has reportedly been set up at the Ritz-Carlton to avoid having to transport anyone to hospital), and his brother Muhammad bin Fahd. The latter was notorious for taking enormous kickbacks as a "facilitator" and go-between - if anyone were to run afoul of an anti-corruption committee, one would expect it to be Muhammad. Bandar bin Sultan, who achieved notoriety for his role in the BAE arms scandal, is also unaccounted for. But the absence of some high-profile figures, and the inclusion of others, such as al-Walid (whose business empire is more international, rather than local) casts doubt on the impartiality of the detentions. al-Walid has been mildly critical of many aspects of Saudi society, and is much more liberal-minded than most of the family, but he is hardly a magnet for disaffected royals. He does, however, command vast wealth.

According to reports, those detained are making deals for their release, on condition they turn over as much as 70% of their assets. Given that some of those arrested are worth billions, this could be significant. This may or not have been part of the plan, but it dovetails neatly with the overall aim. MbS has popular opinion fully behind him (people will tolerate inequalities, but not the perception of unfairness, and too many princes have been flagrantly corrupt), and virtually eliminated his rivals. Time will tell whether his wide-ranging crackdown will put the damper on opposition, or only drive it further underground.

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