Muhammad bin salman King 🤴 of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

 

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Muhammad bin Salman (commonly referred to as MBS) was the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, not the king. He was the de facto ruler of the country, serving as the Crown Prince and holding significant influence over government affairs.

**Early Life and Ascendancy**

Born on August 31, 1985, Muhammad bin Salman is the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his third wife, Princess Fahda bint Falah bin Sultan Al Hathleen. He is one of King Salman's many sons, but he quickly rose to prominence within the royal family due to his energy, charisma, and ambitious vision for Saudi Arabia's future.

MBS's political career began in 2009 when he served as a personal aide to his father, the then-governor of Riyadh. He held various roles within the Saudi government and quickly gained a reputation for his dynamic approach and willingness to challenge the status quo.

**Crown Prince and Reforms**

In June 2017, Muhammad bin Salman was appointed Crown Prince, becoming the heir apparent to the Saudi throne. From the onset of his tenure, he unveiled an ambitious and wide-ranging reform program known as "Vision 2030." The vision aimed to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy away from its reliance on oil, promote social and cultural changes, and modernize the country.

Under MBS's leadership, several key reforms were implemented, including granting women the right to drive, relaxing restrictions on entertainment and cultural activities, and attracting foreign investment to spur economic growth. These reforms were seen as transformative and garnered both support and criticism from within Saudi Arabia and on the international stage.

**Foreign Policy and Regional Influence**

As Crown Prince, MBS played a significant role in Saudi Arabia's foreign policy decisions. He sought to assert Saudi Arabia's influence in the region, most notably in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the kingdom led a coalition against the Houthi rebels. The Yemeni civil war, however, has drawn international criticism for its impact on civilian populations and human rights concerns.

Additionally, MBS cultivated strong ties with other regional leaders, particularly with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and sought to bolster alliances to counter perceived threats from Iran. His policies and decisions sometimes drew criticism, particularly regarding the blockade of Qatar and the controversial detention of prominent figures within Saudi Arabia in November 2017.

**Challenges and Controversies**

While MBS's reforms and vision have been praised for their progressive nature, his leadership has also faced significant criticism and scrutiny. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018 sparked international outrage and condemnation. The killing raised questions about the kingdom's human rights record and its commitment to freedom of expression.

MBS's assertive and sometimes confrontational approach to regional politics has also drawn criticism, particularly in relation to Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Yemeni civil war and its role in the blockade of Qatar.

**Conclusion**

Muhammad bin Salman, as the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has been a polarizing figure, hailed for his ambitious reforms and forward-looking vision for the country, while simultaneously facing criticism and controversy over certain policies and actions. As of my last update in September 2021, he had not assumed the position of king. However, given the dynamic nature of Saudi politics, it's essential to refer to up-to-date sources for the latest information on Saudi Arabia's leadership.