Scenario two: A compromise candidate

摘要

There is every indication that the struggle over succession in the next generation (meaning the generation of grandsons of Ibn Saud) has already begun. This became most obvious during the Saudi intervention in neighbouring Yemen between November 2009 and February 2010. Deputy Minister of Defence Kha-lid bin Sultan used the opportunity to promote his public profile by appearing in the Saudi media as an uncompromising defender of Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity, while the relatively poor performance of Saudi troops against the Huthi rebels and the high numbers of casualties was not being publicised.