The Royal Shenanigans of Saudi Arabia: MBS Accused of Forging Father’s Signature
Former Saudi Arabian intelligence chief Saad al-Jabri has levelled profound allegations against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asserting that the prince forged his father’s signature on a decree to commit Saudi ground troops in the Yemeni civil war. Al-Jabri, who fled the country in 2017, made these claims in a BBC documentary titled “The Kingdom: The World’s Most Powerful Prince.”
Al-Jabri stated that he had discussed the war with Susan Rice, the national security adviser to former US President Barack Obama. Rice had indicated that the US would only support an air campaign, but the crown prince, who was the defense secretary at the time, proceeded despite Washington’s advice. Al-Jabri further alleged that the royal decree for ground intervention was forged and that the King’s mental capacity was deteriorating, raising significant concerns about the decision-making process.
The former spy chief claims to have a credible source for the allegation, but Middle East Eye could not independently verify it. He also disclosed that the CIA’s station chief in Riyadh was displeased with the crown prince’s decision, sparking further controversy around the Yemen intervention.
The intervention, led by Saudi Arabia and including the United Arab Emirates, aimed to repel the Houthi rebels who had seized control of Sanaa in 2014. UN reports revealed that coalition air strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties, while the Houthis retaliated with missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The documentary also highlighted a conversation between al-Jabri and the crown prince, where Mohammed bin Salman shared plans to sell stakes in Saudi state oil producer Aramco, diversify the economy, and improve working conditions for women. However, the prince’s aura of ruthlessness was also revealed, as Jabri alleged that Mohammed bin Salman had considered assassinating King Abdullah in 2014 using a poisoned ring.
The former top adviser claimed that the prince was banned from court and from shaking hands with the king for a significant period of time. This adds to the mounting evidence of alleged power abuse and autocratic behavior by the crown prince.
Since al-Jabri’s escape to Canada, several of his family members have been targeted, with his children and son-in-law being held in Saudi prisons. His children, who were planning to attend college in the US, were barred from leaving the kingdom, while his son-in-law was allegedly kidnapped from Dubai and brought back to Saudi Arabia.
The allegations presented in the documentary have raised serious questions about the actions and character of the crown prince. Amidst these intense accusations and high-level political drama, Saudi Arabia grapples with challenges that resonate beyond its borders, with significant implications for the entire Middle East region.
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