Saudi Arabia: Princely rivalry is again centre stage after Salman’s appointments

The appointments made via dozens of decrees late last month sent Saudi-watchers of varying degrees of sophistication into overdrive. The moves have undoubtedly strengthened the camp of King Salman Bin Abdelaziz – but, at the same time, they have left analysts pondering, and speculating, over a problem which has long plagued the House of Saud: alleged rivalry between princes.Most prominent are questions about what the latest manoeuvres mean for the standing of Crown Prince and interior minister Mohammed Bin Nayef (MBN), who is seen to have been losing power for over a year.