In his book titled “The Kingdom,” British journalist Robert Lacey has described Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman as “the tall, upright son of the desert.”
This apt description of a foreign journalist perfectly outlines the personal traits of the leader the nation. Since his ascension to the throne, analysts and observers had been busy in extrapolating and analyzing the Kingdom’s position regarding ongoing events in the Arab region. They are of the view that there would be drastic shifts in the Kingdom’s policies on various regional and international issues.
After some changes in the domestic situation, observers noted remarkable activity on the Saudi diplomatic front. This uptick in the diplomatic activities is aimed at clearing some ambiguities surrounding several issues concerning the relationship with neighboring countries and the United States, and the divergence of views with the US administration regarding the Iranian nuclear program and the situation in Iraq, Syria and Yemen etc.
This difference of opinion, however, has not reach the stage of rupture in the two countries’ relations due to the wise policies of the Kingdom. However, these differences indicate the independence of Saudi policymaking.
Some reports claimed that the Kingdom informed the US administration that it would try to acquire nuclear capability if Iran were allowed to possess an atomic bomb. This was disclosed by Sen. Lindsey Graham following a recent tour of the region.
The Kingdom is known for shunning media excitement and working silently, letting deeds to speak louder than words, and this is what surprises observers.
In recent weeks, we have all noticed Kingdom’s making all-out efforts to further cement its ties with its neighbors. The visit of Deputy Crown Prince Muhammd bin Naif to Qatar is also part of Saudi efforts to forge unity among the ranks of the GCC member states amid the current regional and international turmoil.
In this context, King Salman stressed that the Kingdom will remain “Big Brother,” taking care of Arab and Muslim brothers, and promised to improve the Kingdom’s policy regarding Egypt and the rest of the unrest-hit countries.
