U.S. official: Saudi Crown Prince dies (Sultan)

CNN ^ | 10-22-11 | Jamie Crawford

[tcrlaf]

It's thought he had cancer, and his death leaves a big hole in the line of succession to be King.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I wonder what this will mean for the stability of Saudi Arabia? How will this impact the region?

[tcrlaf]

With the King approaching 90, this could set up a power struggle between Prince Bandar, and Prince Khalid.

While both are America-philes, both have been out of favor in recent years, for one reason or another. Murky waters ahead, it seems.

[SatinDoll]

Um, there is no shortage of princes in the House of Saud. I’m sure someone will step forward and occupy the ‘vacancy.’

[tcrlaf]

If it’s NAYEF, we are in trouble...
He’s the most active, and open supporter of the Palestineans in the family, and he is the most Conservative (meaning radical muslim) of the bunch, it seems.

This is the same guy who blamed 9/11 on “the Zionists”, saying it was impossible for 19 youths to pull it off, or that Bin Laden did it alone.

And he’s “only” 78 yrs old.

[GeronL]

Arab Spring in Saudi Arabia?

Will the ruling family have a civil war?

[tcrlaf]

One of the younger Princes in the Military, I think it’s the US-trained Khalid, is overseeing the construction of a border fence running the entire length of the Iraq border, to keep out potential immigrants and refugees when the US leaves Iraq.

And he’s advocated for isolating Iran.

[Liberty Valance]

http://countrystudies.us/saudi-arabia/47.htm
Some history on the King and extended family.

[cmsgop]

That was going to happen........

Then the Japan Earthquake happened..............

[GeronL]

Nayef is the only one of the 4 who has expressed any interest in governing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_of_succession_to_the_Saudi_throne

[GeronL]

Nayef was designated the next Crown Prince in 2009?

[GeronL]

Will Khalid try to wrest control from Nayef ??

[Eaglefixer]

When I was assigned to Saudi Arabia for the USAF I met the current King , Sultan then the minister of defense and aviation and his son Bandar.

Bandar (known as big Bandar) was a fighter pilot and program manager for the Peace Hawk program. Though he was a prince he was a major in the RSAF.

[Ezekiel]

They’re dropping like flies!

[Eaglefixer]

When I was assigned to Saudi Arabia for the USAF I met the current King , Sultan then the minister of defense and aviation and his son Bandar.

Bandar (known as big Bandar) was a fighter pilot and program manager for the Peace Hawk program. Though he was a prince he was a major in the RSAF.

[easternsky]

Is this the one The Boy Bowed to?

[LucyT]

[digital-olive]

But who will Barry bow to now?!?!?

[Eyes Unclouded]

Not a good time for this to happen. Not a good time at all.

[tcrlaf]

No, Obama dropped for the King himself...
Embarrassing moment for Americans, that was...