In this issue we examine the intersection between the king’s very close interest in regional
relations and his “mission” to bring order to the royal family, and discuss his increasing reliance on his sons in these and other domains. We evaluate conflicting reports of the crown prince’s mental and physical health and the prospects for his return to Saudi Arabia from his holiday home in Morocco, and discuss the gradual return to grace of Khaled b. Sultan and his brother Bandar b. Sultan’s surprise return to the Kingdom. We also turn the spotlight on the activities of Eastern Province Governor Prince Mohamed b. Fahd and on the anti-corruption policies of Mecca Province Governor Khaled al-Faysal. In addition to this analysis (3,485 words), the issue comprises an Executive Summary (285 words) and a Saudi Royal Court Gazette (5,538 words) in which we record the reported activity, during the month, of 25 princes. Total number of words for this issue: 9,308.
The summary is available to signed-in readers.
