" "The House of Saud is becoming something of a meritocracy," an article in the Financial Times announced last week. But please don't laugh: the article was written by John Sawers, the former head of Britain's secret intelligence service, MI6.
King Salman's recent top-level reshuffle has provided "an injection of professionalism and youth", Sawers says. "Only the most effective princes now become ministers or governors of the main provinces."
The former spy chief cites three examples to illustrate this supposedly emerging meritocracy. One is Prince Muqrin, the former crown prince, who was shoved aside because "he lacked the authority for the top job". The others are two promotions: Mohammed bin Nayef, the new crown prince, and Mohammed bin Salman, the new deputy crown prince."
King Salman's recent top-level reshuffle has provided "an injection of professionalism and youth", Sawers says. "Only the most effective princes now become ministers or governors of the main provinces."
The former spy chief cites three examples to illustrate this supposedly emerging meritocracy. One is Prince Muqrin, the former crown prince, who was shoved aside because "he lacked the authority for the top job". The others are two promotions: Mohammed bin Nayef, the new crown prince, and Mohammed bin Salman, the new deputy crown prince."
