Former Saudi official calls Mohammed bin Salman a "psychopath," says Saudi crown prince fears what he knows
CBSDec 24, 2022
The Facts
In a cabinet reshuffle ordered by a royal decree on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) was appointed prime minister, formalizing his role as the country’s leader.
MBS will be replaced as defense minister by his brother Prince Khalid bin Salman, who previously served as the kingdom's deputy defense minister. Other senior positions — except the minister of education — remain unchanged.
The Spin
Narrative A
This latest development is far from good news. Khashoggi's murder proves the tyranny of the crown prince's leadership and lack of concern for human rights. His reckless character makes him not only a danger to his people but also to the international community.
Narrative B
With MBS as prime minister, the Saudi economy will continue to improve. Thanks to the reforms the crown prince has introduced, the kingdom is on track to becoming one of the world's fastest-growing economies this year. Under Vision 2030, MBS will succeed in further transforming the Saudi economy, increasing its resilience, and nourishing the well-being of its people.
Establishment-critical narrative
Saudi Arabia is one of the best examples of the West's hypocrisy and double standards. While Russia is sanctioned for the Ukraine war and degraded to a "pariah," Western leaders pilgrimage to autocrat and Yemen warlord MBS to strengthen economic and bilateral relations, while Riyadh tramples on human rights. The West's moral bankruptcy is evident.
