Saudi Arabia

[SHRED]

Are they moving away from hardline rule?

Link to tweet

[FarCenter]

1. I don't think so. The moves in recent months are aimed at making the monarch more powerful

and also securing the succession of the Crown Prince his son. In the political sphere, it looks like the absolute monarchy is becoming more absolute.

So I don't think that "reform" applies to the political system, although it may apply to the religious establishment and the economy.

[Igel]

3. But ultimately only time will tell.

If Salman Jr is a reformer and wants to move away from hardline religious theocracy then he'd need to get people out of the way who, for personal or public reasons, would stand in his way.

That's the thing about an autocracy. There's only one tool, and that's royal decree. Consequently, "So-and-so is arrested and to be tried and, once found guilty, will be beheaded on my next birthday" goes for getting rid of good guys and for getting rid of bad guys and for guys just false thought bad or good.

[C_U_L8R]

2. Follow the money

bet ya there's Trump family self-interest somewhere along the way...
at minimum there's heap of spiteful political payback. Donald is such a baby.