Saudi Arabia sentenced five people to death for last year’s murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi and freed two prominent suspects close to the kingdom’s crown prince.

Saudi Arabia Sentences Five to Death Over Khashoggi Killing

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cabinet-approves-india-saudi-arabia-mous-in- smuggling-drug-trafficking-264902">Saudi Arabia</a> has released three people swept up in the latest wave of arrests in a crackdown on free expression, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Thursday, but several more remain in detention.</p>

<p>Those freed are banker and publisher Suleiman al-Saikhan, former blogger Fuad al-Farhan, who later started a small business, and Bader al-Rashed, a journalist who had worked on one of the government's reform initiatives, ALQST tweeted.</p>

<p>Reuters was unable to reach them directly.</p>

<p>The men were among at least eight people taken from their homes earlier this month by plainclothes police. The reason was unclear as they are not considered frontline activists, though some had written previously about the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings.</p>

<p>The Saudi government communications office has not responded to a request for comment on the arrests.</p>

<p>ALQST is an independent non-governmental organisation that monitors and documents human rights violations it says occur in Saudi Arabia at the hands of the authorities.</p>

<p>Riyadh denies having political prisoners, but senior officials have said monitoring of activists, and potentially detaining them, is needed to maintain social stability.</p>

<p>As Saudi Arabia takes over the presidency of the Group of 20 countries, it is struggling to overcome intense international criticism over its human rights record, including last year's killing of journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../i-hope-news-is-real-brother-of-saudi-womens- rights-activist-on-her-being-contender-for-nobel-peace-prize-25398...">Jamal Khashoggi</a>, the arrest of women's rights activists and the devastating Yemen war.</p>

<p>A verdict in the trial of prominent Islamist preacher Salman al-Awdah, who was arrested more than two years ago on terrorism-related charges, was postponed on Wednesday for the fourth time, his son said on Twitter.</p>

<p>The public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty against Awdah, who was detained in September 2017 as a crackdown on dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gathered pace. Scores of intellectuals, activists, businessmen and government officials have been arrested.</p>

<p>Public protests, political parties and labour unions are banned in Saudi Arabia, where the media are controlled and criticism of the royal family can lead to prison.</p>


Saudi Arabia has released three people swept up in the latest wave of arrests in a crackdown on free expression, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Thursday, but several more remain in detention.

Saudi Arabia has released three people swept up in the latest wave of arrests in a crackdown on free expression, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Thursday, but several more remain in detention. Those freed are banker and publisher Suleiman al-Saikhan, former blogger Fuad al-Farhan, who later started a small business, and Bader al-Rashed, a journalist who had worked on one of the government's reform initiatives, ALQST tweeted. Reuters was unable to reach them directly. The men were among at least eight people taken from their homes earlier this month by plainclothes police. The reason was unclear as they are not considered frontline activists, though some had written previously about the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings. The Saudi government communications office has not responded to a request for comment on the arrests. ALQST is an independent non-governmental organisation that monitors and documents human rights violations it says occur in Saudi Arabia at the hands of the authorities. Riyadh denies having political prisoners, but senior officials have said monitoring of activists, and potentially detaining them, is needed to maintain social stability. As Saudi Arabia takes over the presidency of the Group of 20 countries, it is struggling to overcome intense international criticism over its human rights record, including last year's killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the arrest of women's rights activists and the devastating Yemen war. A verdict in the trial of prominent Islamist preacher Salman al-Awdah, who was arrested more than two years ago on terrorism-related charges, was postponed on Wednesday for the fourth time, his son said on Twitter. The public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty against Awdah, who was detained in September 2017 as a crackdown on dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gathered pace. Scores of intellectuals, activists, businessmen and government officials have been arrested. Public protests, political parties and labour unions are banned in Saudi Arabia, where the media are controlled and criticism of the royal family can lead to prison.

Three detained Saudi writers freed, others still held: Rights group

'India, Saudi summit level meet in every 2 years' says Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia. Watch video to know more.

'India, Saudi summit level meet in every 2 years' says Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-mike-pompeo-makes-history-in-pohnpei-courts-pacific-allies-240834">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> discussed maritime security, Iran and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"The secretary discussed heightened tensions in the region and the need for stronger maritime security in order to promote freedom of navigation," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.</p>

<p>Iran has seized three tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters in a month, and the United States has accused it of carrying out multiple attacks on ships in the region.</p>

<p>The US has been struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Gulf, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran.</p>

<p>Ortagus also said that the top US diplomat and the crown prince "discussed other bilateral and regional developments, including countering the Iranian regime's destabilizing activities."</p>

<p>Tensions between Washington and Tehran -- Saudi Arabia's arch foe -- have soared since US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a nuclear deal with Iran last year and imposed punishing sanctions.</p>

<p>Twelve months on from the US withdrawal, Iran responded by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear deal.</p>

<p>Iran meanwhile shot down an American drone in June, with Trump saying he called off retaliatory air strikes at the last minute, and the United States says it has since downed one and possibly two of Tehran's unmanned aircraft, which the Islamic republic has denied.</p>

<p>On Yemen, "the secretary and the crown prince reaffirmed their strong support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths' efforts to advance the political process," Ortagus said.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia is locked in a bloody war in the country against the Iran-backed Huthis, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say.</p>

<p>Trump vetoed congressional resolutions last month that would have blocked arms sales to the kingdom that critics fear would aggravate the devastating Yemen war, which the UN said has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis.</p>


US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed maritime security, Iran and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Wednesday. "The secretary discussed heightened tensions in the region and the need for stronger maritime security in order to promote freedom of navigation," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed maritime security, Iran and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Wednesday. "The secretary discussed heightened tensions in the region and the need for stronger maritime security in order to promote freedom of navigation," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Iran has seized three tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters in a month, and the United States has accused it of carrying out multiple attacks on ships in the region. The US has been struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Gulf, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran. Ortagus also said that the top US diplomat and the crown prince "discussed other bilateral and regional developments, including countering the Iranian regime's destabilizing activities." Tensions between Washington and Tehran -- Saudi Arabia's arch foe -- have soared since US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a nuclear deal with Iran last year and imposed punishing sanctions. Twelve months on from the US withdrawal, Iran responded by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear deal. Iran meanwhile shot down an American drone in June, with Trump saying he called off retaliatory air strikes at the last minute, and the United States says it has since downed one and possibly two of Tehran's unmanned aircraft, which the Islamic republic has denied. On Yemen, "the secretary and the crown prince reaffirmed their strong support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths' efforts to advance the political process," Ortagus said. Saudi Arabia is locked in a bloody war in the country against the Iran-backed Huthis, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say. Trump vetoed congressional resolutions last month that would have blocked arms sales to the kingdom that critics fear would aggravate the devastating Yemen war, which the UN said has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Pompeo talks maritime security, Iran with Saudi crown prince

<p>US President Donald Trump spoke on Friday to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about Middle East stability and the oil market, the White House said, after tensions with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-cocked-and-loaded-to-retaliate-i-stopped-it-10-minutes-before-striking-iran-trump-229293">Iran prompted a rise in oil prices</a>.</p>

<p>"The two leaders discussed Saudi Arabia’s critical role in ensuring stability in the Middle East and in the global oil market. They also discussed the threat posed by the Iranian regime’s escalatory behavior," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.</p>

<p>The phone call took place in the wake of Iran's shooting down of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-needs-to-meet-diplomacy-with-diplomacy-not-military-force-us-229256">unmanned US drone in the Gulf region</a>, which prompted Trump to prepare but ultimately hold back from launching a retaliatory attack.</p>

<p>There was no word from the White House statement on whether Trump raised with the crown prince the death last October of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.</p>

<p>A 100-page report by the UNspecial rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, earlier this week accused Saudi Arabia of a “deliberate, premeditated execution” and said the crown prince should be investigated for it.</p>

<p>Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, had called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility.</p>

<p>Khashoggi, a critic of the prince and a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding.</p>

<p>His body was dismembered and removed from the building, the Saudi prosecutor has said, and his remains have not been found.</p>

<p>Callamard went to Turkey earlier this year with a team of forensic and legal experts and said she received evidence from Turkish authorities.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


US President Donald Trump spoke on Friday to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about Middle East stability and the oil market, the White House said, after tensions with Iran prompted a rise in oil prices.

US President Donald Trump spoke on Friday to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about Middle East stability and the oil market, the White House said, after tensions with Iran prompted a rise in oil prices. "The two leaders discussed Saudi Arabia’s critical role in ensuring stability in the Middle East and in the global oil market. They also discussed the threat posed by the Iranian regime’s escalatory behavior," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. The phone call took place in the wake of Iran's shooting down of an unmanned US drone in the Gulf region, which prompted Trump to prepare but ultimately hold back from launching a retaliatory attack. There was no word from the White House statement on whether Trump raised with the crown prince the death last October of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. A 100-page report by the UNspecial rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, earlier this week accused Saudi Arabia of a “deliberate, premeditated execution” and said the crown prince should be investigated for it. Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, had called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility. Khashoggi, a critic of the prince and a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, the Saudi prosecutor has said, and his remains have not been found. Callamard went to Turkey earlier this year with a team of forensic and legal experts and said she received evidence from Turkish authorities.

Trump spoke to Crown Prince Salman on Middle East stability, oil market: White House

<p>Since its sale for a record $450 million, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/da-vincis-450m-salvator-mundi-painting-to-be-seen-in-louvre-abu-dhabi-soon-26102">whereabouts of the "Salvator Mundi</a>," said to be painted by Leonardo da Vinci, has become one of the art world's greatest mysteries.</p>

<p>On Monday, London-based art dealer Kenny Schachter, writing for the website Artnews, offered answers: the painting now resides on the gargantuan yacht owned by powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.</p>

<p>Since its record-setting sale at Christie's in 2017, the painting, in which Jesus Christ is depicted emerging from darkness blessing the world with one hand while holding a transparent globe in the other, has never been exhibited in public, triggering doubts about its ownership, whereabouts and authenticity.</p>

<p>Many art experts are split over whether the painting is genuine, saying it was not painted by the Italian master personally but instead by his workshop.</p>

<p>The Wall Street Journal first reported that the painting was bought by Saudi prince Badr bin Abdullah, who acted in the name of the Saudi crown prince, known by his initials MBS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Riyadh never confirmed or denied that report.</p>

<p>Schachter in a nod to the opaque nature of international art sales, he wrote, "In the murky Middle Eastern waters nothing is quite crystal clear."</p>

<p>But citing several sources including two involved in the sale, Schachter claims the painting "was whisked away in the middle of the night on MBS's plane and relocated to his yacht, the Serene."</p>

<p>After saying the painting was originally found in shards and had to be reconstructed before its auction, he asks, "what harm could the occasional splash of seawater do?"</p>

<p>Schachter later wrote that the painting will remain onboard the massive yacht until it is relocated to the Al-Ula governorate, which Saudi Arabia is aiming to transform into a culture and tourism destination.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Since its sale for a record $450 million, the whereabouts of the "Salvator Mundi," said to be painted by Leonardo da Vinci, has become one of the art world's greatest mysteries.

Since its sale for a record $450 million, the whereabouts of the "Salvator Mundi," said to be painted by Leonardo da Vinci, has become one of the art world's greatest mysteries. On Monday, London-based art dealer Kenny Schachter, writing for the website Artnews, offered answers: the painting now resides on the gargantuan yacht owned by powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since its record-setting sale at Christie's in 2017, the painting, in which Jesus Christ is depicted emerging from darkness blessing the world with one hand while holding a transparent globe in the other, has never been exhibited in public, triggering doubts about its ownership, whereabouts and authenticity. Many art experts are split over whether the painting is genuine, saying it was not painted by the Italian master personally but instead by his workshop. The Wall Street Journal first reported that the painting was bought by Saudi prince Badr bin Abdullah, who acted in the name of the Saudi crown prince, known by his initials MBS. Riyadh never confirmed or denied that report. Schachter in a nod to the opaque nature of international art sales, he wrote, "In the murky Middle Eastern waters nothing is quite crystal clear." But citing several sources including two involved in the sale, Schachter claims the painting "was whisked away in the middle of the night on MBS's plane and relocated to his yacht, the Serene." After saying the painting was originally found in shards and had to be reconstructed before its auction, he asks, "what harm could the occasional splash of seawater do?" Schachter later wrote that the painting will remain onboard the massive yacht until it is relocated to the Al-Ula governorate, which Saudi Arabia is aiming to transform into a culture and tourism destination.

World's costliest painting 'Salvator Mundi' hosted on Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman's yacht: Report

<p>Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs Adel Al Jubeir will be in India on Monday for a brief visit. The visit, which will be just 4 hours 25 minutes long - according to the schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs - will see the minister meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.</p>

<p>When asked about what will be the focus during the minister's visit, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "My understanding is that he is visiting to discuss some important follow-ups from the recent visit of the Saudi Crown Prince to India."</p>

<p>On being asked if the minister is coming as a mediator in the backdrop of his Pakistan visit, Kumar said, "How did the question arise? In fact, I made it very clear and frankly there has been no offer of any mediation from any country. Not from the Saudis, not from any country that there can be any mediation and I think our position is very clear on that."</p>

<p>Last week, the minister was in Pakistan and met Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan and his foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.</p>

<p>There have been a number of high-level engagements between India and Saudi Arabia in the last few weeks. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in India for a state visit from February 19 to 20. External Affairs Minister met Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs in UAE on the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This will be the second meeting between Sushma Swaraj and Adel Al Jubeir in the last 10 days.</p>


Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs Adel Al Jubeir will be in India on Monday for a brief visit. The visit, which will be just 4 hours 25 minutes long - according to the schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs - will see the minister meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs Adel Al Jubeir will be in India on Monday for a brief visit. The visit, which will be just 4 hours 25 minutes long - according to the schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs - will see the minister meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. When asked about what will be the focus during the minister's visit, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "My understanding is that he is visiting to discuss some important follow-ups from the recent visit of the Saudi Crown Prince to India." On being asked if the minister is coming as a mediator in the backdrop of his Pakistan visit, Kumar said, "How did the question arise? In fact, I made it very clear and frankly there has been no offer of any mediation from any country. Not from the Saudis, not from any country that there can be any mediation and I think our position is very clear on that." Last week, the minister was in Pakistan and met Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan and his foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. There have been a number of high-level engagements between India and Saudi Arabia in the last few weeks. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in India for a state visit from February 19 to 20. External Affairs Minister met Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs in UAE on the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting earlier this month. This will be the second meeting between Sushma Swaraj and Adel Al Jubeir in the last 10 days.

Saudi Arabia's MoS foreign affairs to visit India on Monday

<p>Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Beijing on Friday.</p>

<p>Mohammed also presided over a China-Saudi cooperation forum and the two leaders signed and witnessed a series of bilateral cooperation documents.</p>

<p>The Saudi delegation, including top executives from Aramco, arrived on Thursday (February 21) after visiting Pakistan and India on an Asia tour. Sources said Aramco plans to sign preliminary deals to invest in two oil refining and petrochemical complexes in China this week.</p>

<p>Later on Friday, the crown prince will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has made stepping up China's presence in the Middle East a key foreign policy objective.</p>

<p>China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that Beijing sees "enormous potential" in Saudi Arabia's economy and wants more high-tech cooperation.</p>


Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Beijing on Friday. Mohammed also presided over a China-Saudi cooperation forum and the two leaders signed and witnessed a series of bilateral cooperation documents.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Beijing on Friday. Mohammed also presided over a China-Saudi cooperation forum and the two leaders signed and witnessed a series of bilateral cooperation documents. The Saudi delegation, including top executives from Aramco, arrived on Thursday (February 21) after visiting Pakistan and India on an Asia tour. Sources said Aramco plans to sign preliminary deals to invest in two oil refining and petrochemical complexes in China this week. Later on Friday, the crown prince will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has made stepping up China's presence in the Middle East a key foreign policy objective. China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that Beijing sees "enormous potential" in Saudi Arabia's economy and wants more high-tech cooperation.

Saudi crown prince meets Chinese vice premier in Beijing

<p>Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s three-nation tour of Asia is about demonstrating that he stands tall – despite Western criticism of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the war in Yemen – as it is about exploiting the geopolitical and economic opportunity.</p>

<p>Prince Mohammed changed his itinerary at the last minute, delaying by a day his arrival in Pakistan and postponing visits to Malaysia and Indonesia. The stakes are nonetheless high.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has sought to strengthen ties with Pakistan with one eye on neighbouring Iran. The Crown Prince&nbsp;visit coincides with Pakistan becoming increasingly dependent on Saudi Arabia while relations with China, its closest ally, have become strained.</p>

<p>Saudi financial support for Pakistan is designed to counter expanding ties with Iran. That support includes a $3 billion deposit into Pakistan’s central bank to bolster the country’s balance of payments and another $3 billion in deferred oil import payments coupled with an expected $10 billion investment in the troubled province of Balochistan, which borders Iran.</p>

<p>Prince Mohammed could also seize upon Pakistani criticism of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” and efforts to refocus the $45 billion-plus China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on job creation, agriculture and industry.</p>

<p>However, Saudi investment in Pakistan could complicate Prince Mohammed’s attempts to forge closer economic and security ties with India, in light of the recent attack in Kashmir that killed at least 40 Indian military personnel, blamed on Pakistan. India has vowed to isolate Pakistan internationally, including seeking Pakistan’s blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which monitors financing of terrorism.</p>

<p>Managing the India-Pakistan minefield will test Prince Mohammed’s diplomatic skills. Iran’s India-backed, Arabian Sea deep-sea port of Chabahar is viewed by Saudi Arabia as encroaching on the kingdom’s national security and economic interests.</p>

<p>A study published in late 2017 by the Riyadh-based and government-backed International Institute for Iranian Studies identified Chabahar as a “direct threat to the Arab Gulf states”. The study warned Chabahar would enable Iran to increase oil exports to India at the expense of Saudi Arabia and raise foreign investment in Iran.</p>

<p>The study’s author, Mohammed Hassan Husseinbor, noted the expanse of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.</p>

<p>“It would be a formidable challenge, if not impossible, for the Iranian government to protect such long distances and secure Chabahar in the face of widespread Baluch opposition, particularly if this opposition is supported by Iran’s regional adversaries and world powers,” Husseinbor wrote.</p>

<p>Iran has blamed a series of recent attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan on Pakistan-based militants allegedly supported by Saudi Arabia, the US and Israel.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia’s economic and geopolitical investment in Pakistan will be on the agenda for the Crown Prince’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia is a cesspool of constant rivalry among the princes Mohamad Sabu, Malaysian defence minister</p>

<p>China rejected Pakistan’s initial plan to incorporate into CPEC Saudi investment in a refinery in Gwadar, a crown jewel of the “Belt and Road Initiative”, and a gold and copper mine on the Iranian border.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, China has benefited from Saudi engagement in Pakistan despite concerns about the kingdom’s intentions. Financial support from Saudi Arabia and UAE has made a Pakistani request for a bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) less urgent. That has in turn shielded China from potentially embarrassing disclosures of the financial terms of CPEC-related projects the IMF was demanding as part of a Pakistani bailout.</p>

<p>While the crown prince gave no reason for the postponement of his visit to Malaysia, it is unlikely money and investment would have been enough to fix Saudi Arabia’s problems with the Southeast Asian nation.</p>

<p>Relations since Mahathir Mohamad’s upset electoral victory last year have been strained by Saudi efforts to protect Najib Razak while he was prime minister. Deposed by Mahathir, the former prime minister has since been charged with corruption. Mahathir’s election victory also brought to office Mohamad Sabu, a defence minister with a track record of criticising the kingdom.</p>

<p>“Malaysia should not be too close to a country whose internal politics are getting toxic,” Sabu warned in a commentary. “For the lack of a better word, Saudi Arabia is a cesspool of constant rivalry among the princes. By this token, it is also a vortex that could suck any country into its black hole if one is not careful.”</p>

<p>Sabu has since withdrawn Malaysian troops from the Saudi Arabia-based 41-nation, Saudi-sponsored Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. He has also closed a Saudi-funded anti-terrorism centre, the King Salman Centre for International Peace, which was allocated 16 hectares of land in Putrajaya, close to the prime minister’s complex, by the Razak government. The centre was inaugurated in 2017 by Prince Mohammed’s father, King Salman.</p>

<p>Prince Mohammed may emerge from his tour reassured, having been feted – certainly, he would be less welcome in Washington or Western European capitals. The ultimate measure, however, will be his ability to manoeuvre and master a minefield of conflicting geopolitical interests, something he has not yet shown he can do.<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)</em></p>


Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s three-nation tour of Asia is about demonstrating that he stands tall – despite Western criticism of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the war in Yemen – as it is about exploiting the geopolitical and economic opportunity.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s three-nation tour of Asia is about demonstrating that he stands tall – despite Western criticism of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the war in Yemen – as it is about exploiting the geopolitical and economic opportunity. Prince Mohammed changed his itinerary at the last minute, delaying by a day his arrival in Pakistan and postponing visits to Malaysia and Indonesia. The stakes are nonetheless high. Saudi Arabia has sought to strengthen ties with Pakistan with one eye on neighbouring Iran. The Crown Prince visit coincides with Pakistan becoming increasingly dependent on Saudi Arabia while relations with China, its closest ally, have become strained. Saudi financial support for Pakistan is designed to counter expanding ties with Iran. That support includes a $3 billion deposit into Pakistan’s central bank to bolster the country’s balance of payments and another $3 billion in deferred oil import payments coupled with an expected $10 billion investment in the troubled province of Balochistan, which borders Iran. Prince Mohammed could also seize upon Pakistani criticism of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” and efforts to refocus the $45 billion-plus China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on job creation, agriculture and industry. However, Saudi investment in Pakistan could complicate Prince Mohammed’s attempts to forge closer economic and security ties with India, in light of the recent attack in Kashmir that killed at least 40 Indian military personnel, blamed on Pakistan. India has vowed to isolate Pakistan internationally, including seeking Pakistan’s blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which monitors financing of terrorism. Managing the India-Pakistan minefield will test Prince Mohammed’s diplomatic skills. Iran’s India-backed, Arabian Sea deep-sea port of Chabahar is viewed by Saudi Arabia as encroaching on the kingdom’s national security and economic interests. A study published in late 2017 by the Riyadh-based and government-backed International Institute for Iranian Studies identified Chabahar as a “direct threat to the Arab Gulf states”. The study warned Chabahar would enable Iran to increase oil exports to India at the expense of Saudi Arabia and raise foreign investment in Iran. The study’s author, Mohammed Hassan Husseinbor, noted the expanse of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province. “It would be a formidable challenge, if not impossible, for the Iranian government to protect such long distances and secure Chabahar in the face of widespread Baluch opposition, particularly if this opposition is supported by Iran’s regional adversaries and world powers,” Husseinbor wrote. Iran has blamed a series of recent attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan on Pakistan-based militants allegedly supported by Saudi Arabia, the US and Israel. Saudi Arabia’s economic and geopolitical investment in Pakistan will be on the agenda for the Crown Prince’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Saudi Arabia is a cesspool of constant rivalry among the princes Mohamad Sabu, Malaysian defence minister China rejected Pakistan’s initial plan to incorporate into CPEC Saudi investment in a refinery in Gwadar, a crown jewel of the “Belt and Road Initiative”, and a gold and copper mine on the Iranian border. Nonetheless, China has benefited from Saudi engagement in Pakistan despite concerns about the kingdom’s intentions. Financial support from Saudi Arabia and UAE has made a Pakistani request for a bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) less urgent. That has in turn shielded China from potentially embarrassing disclosures of the financial terms of CPEC-related projects the IMF was demanding as part of a Pakistani bailout. While the crown prince gave no reason for the postponement of his visit to Malaysia, it is unlikely money and investment would have been enough to fix Saudi Arabia’s problems with the Southeast Asian nation. Relations since Mahathir Mohamad’s upset electoral victory last year have been strained by Saudi efforts to protect Najib Razak while he was prime minister. Deposed by Mahathir, the former prime minister has since been charged with corruption. Mahathir’s election victory also brought to office Mohamad Sabu, a defence minister with a track record of criticising the kingdom. “Malaysia should not be too close to a country whose internal politics are getting toxic,” Sabu warned in a commentary. “For the lack of a better word, Saudi Arabia is a cesspool of constant rivalry among the princes. By this token, it is also a vortex that could suck any country into its black hole if one is not careful.” Sabu has since withdrawn Malaysian troops from the Saudi Arabia-based 41-nation, Saudi-sponsored Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. He has also closed a Saudi-funded anti-terrorism centre, the King Salman Centre for International Peace, which was allocated 16 hectares of land in Putrajaya, close to the prime minister’s complex, by the Razak government. The centre was inaugurated in 2017 by Prince Mohammed’s father, King Salman. Prince Mohammed may emerge from his tour reassured, having been feted – certainly, he would be less welcome in Washington or Western European capitals. The ultimate measure, however, will be his ability to manoeuvre and master a minefield of conflicting geopolitical interests, something he has not yet shown he can do. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Crown Prince's investment deals in Pakistan could complicate Saudi-India ties

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-a-day-of-trilaterals-for-india-180323">G20 summit</a> here on Friday and they discussed ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties.</p>

<p>The two sides also held discussions on enhancing investment in technology, renewable energy and food security.</p>

<p>"Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties. <a href="https://t.co/KYeIiG2FET">pic.twitter.com/KYeIiG2FET</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1068274451286880256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Deepening strategic ties. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on sidelines of #G20Argentina. Discussed enhancing Saudi investment in technology, infrastructure, petroleum, renewable energy, food security, fintech &amp; defence sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Foreign Secy:Crown Prince informed PM that Saudi will be finalising an initial investment into national infrastructure fund.He referred to future prospects for investment in tech,agricultural&amp;energy sectors. PM,in particular,stressed upon importance of having stable energy prices <a href="https://t.co/A1TXQp5z2Y">pic.twitter.com/A1TXQp5z2Y</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068298727423655936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner. The relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed," PMO sources said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PM Modi is in Argentina to attend the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hKV9HZQhH8">pic.twitter.com/hKV9HZQhH8</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068279688001282048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later, the prime minister will meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to the sources, the UN Secretary-General has reached out to the PM for the second time in two months.</p>

<p>They said the meeting signifies the importance that both leaders attach to the issue of climate change. This outreach comes just a week before the COP24 meeting in Katowice, Poland.</p>

<p>"It reflects the respect in which the prime minister and his initiatives are held globally to take the lead on issues of global importance," the sources said.</p>

<p>On the sidelines of the two-day 13th <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-begins-today-pm-modi-says-focus-on-fugitive-economic-offenders-strengthening-global-economy-180324">G-20 summit</a>, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1.</p>

<p>White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday the trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi will be held towards the end of the Trump-Abe talks.</p>

<p>"Looking forward to a wide range of interactions at the G-20 Summit, aimed at furthering sustainable development," Prime Minister Modi tweeted soon after he landed here.</p>

<p>Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure.</p>

<p>He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit here on Friday and they discussed ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit here on Friday and they discussed ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties. The two sides also held discussions on enhancing investment in technology, renewable energy and food security. "Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties," the prime minister wrote on Twitter. Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties. pic.twitter.com/KYeIiG2FET — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 29, 2018 × "Deepening strategic ties. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on sidelines of #G20Argentina. Discussed enhancing Saudi investment in technology, infrastructure, petroleum, renewable energy, food security, fintech & defence sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted. Foreign Secy:Crown Prince informed PM that Saudi will be finalising an initial investment into national infrastructure fund.He referred to future prospects for investment in tech,agricultural&energy sectors. PM,in particular,stressed upon importance of having stable energy prices pic.twitter.com/A1TXQp5z2Y — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × "In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner. The relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed," PMO sources said. PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PM Modi is in Argentina to attend the #G20Summit. pic.twitter.com/hKV9HZQhH8 — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × Later, the prime minister will meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to the sources, the UN Secretary-General has reached out to the PM for the second time in two months. They said the meeting signifies the importance that both leaders attach to the issue of climate change. This outreach comes just a week before the COP24 meeting in Katowice, Poland. "It reflects the respect in which the prime minister and his initiatives are held globally to take the lead on issues of global importance," the sources said. On the sidelines of the two-day 13th G-20 summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday the trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi will be held towards the end of the Trump-Abe talks. "Looking forward to a wide range of interactions at the G-20 Summit, aimed at furthering sustainable development," Prime Minister Modi tweeted soon after he landed here. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1.

Discussed ways to further boost ties: PM Modi after meeting Saudi Crown Prince on G20 sidelines

<p>Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS in a recent Future Investment Summit, held on 24th October in Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s capital, Riyadh, launched independent $500bn megacity - with &quot;separate regulation&quot; - along with the Red Sea coastline. It will be run entirely on alternative energy and be an innovation hub for the future.</p>

<p>This Future Investment Summit is an international event to attract investors into the kingdom. He issued a statement, &ldquo;Saudi Arabia would return&nbsp;to a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the world&quot;. He further said, &quot;We will end extremism very soon&quot;. These statements issued by MBS has a lot of repercussions.</p>

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<h5>Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp.</h5>
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<p>First, this statement is a reflection of his vision and Saudi&#39;s vision 2030 - a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era. This is part of its attempt to shift from an oil-based economy to a modern one. It will reassure investors that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&#39;s push to diversify its economy beyond oil is on track. In the recent months, Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp.</p>

<p>Secondly, these statements also show that the failure of the monarchy as it is trying to divert the citizens focus from diminishing resources of the kingdom. The end of these resources would be devastating for Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s economy.<br />
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Third, these statements are a clear challenge to the religious establishment of the regime. This shows the breaking of the alliance between House of Saud and the clergy, which maintains a stronghold in the Saudi system. The political system of Saudi is based on religious establishment.</p>

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<h5>Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Crown Prince is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil.</h5>
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<p>Fourth, MBS talking of new age and change looks difficult without a cultural transformation in Saudi. Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s state religion is fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam, Wahhabism, where the Islamic Sharia law is practiced strictly. Infidelity and drug trafficking are punishable with beheading, and women still need to be accompanied by a male guardian. Saudi Arabia is the last country in the world to grant women driving rights.</p>

<p>His plans guarantee brighter future for Saudi&rsquo;s, as he is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. He has announced unique social and economic reforms after coming to power. His projects provide a forward-looking image which is a game changer for the image of Saudi globally. His statement is very bold for a conservative country like Saudi Arabia where other religious practices are not allowed. Like, for example, churches are banned.</p>

<p>It would be great if he could change the guardianship system&nbsp;where women cannot marry, work, study, open bank account, apply for passport, travel or seek healthcare without the consent of their male guardians. A Saudi woman can never pass on her nationality to her children, who need a visa to enter the kingdom. Then only half of the population of Saudi Arabia can participate in the development of economy freely. Also, his cultural revolution will be successful.</p>

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<h5>The prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi.</h5>
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<p>However, the success of these changes requires stability and security in the region. It will be comfortable in investing only if, there is&nbsp;stability and security in the region. This is only possible if the crisis in Yemen ends and the relations with Qatar resumes. Also, the prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi.</p>

<p>Democracy and citizen rights is a distant dream in this Gulf monarchy. Gender segregation is practiced in many places and women are marginalised in jobs. Monitors, including Amnesty International, says Saudi Arabia has in parallel stepped up its repression of peaceful rights activists. Saudi authorities last month arrested more than 20 activists, including two popular Muslim preachers, without disclosing any charges against them.</p>

<p>In such an environment, new age looks difficult. Changes in Saudi economy must be accompanied by cultural changes. The founding precepts of the country are not working anymore, as Saudi has a young population, maximum under the age of thirty.</p>

<p>Though a lot has changed under MBS and that is giving a modern, liberal image to Saudi Arabia internationally.</p>


Modernisation in Saudi Arabia seems impossible without cultural transformation

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS in a recent Future Investment Summit, held on 24th October in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, launched independent $500bn megacity - with "separate regulation" - along with the Red Sea coastline. It will be run entirely on alternative energy and be an innovation hub for the future. This Future Investment Summit is an international event to attract investors into the kingdom. He issued a statement, “Saudi Arabia would return to a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the world". He further said, "We will end extremism very soon". These statements issued by MBS has a lot of repercussions. Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp. × First, this statement is a reflection of his vision and Saudi's vision 2030 - a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era. This is part of its attempt to shift from an oil-based economy to a modern one. It will reassure investors that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's push to diversify its economy beyond oil is on track. In the recent months, Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp. Secondly, these statements also show that the failure of the monarchy as it is trying to divert the citizens focus from diminishing resources of the kingdom. The end of these resources would be devastating for Saudi Arabia’s economy. Third, these statements are a clear challenge to the religious establishment of the regime. This shows the breaking of the alliance between House of Saud and the clergy, which maintains a stronghold in the Saudi system. The political system of Saudi is based on religious establishment. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. × Fourth, MBS talking of new age and change looks difficult without a cultural transformation in Saudi. Saudi Arabia’s state religion is fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam, Wahhabism, where the Islamic Sharia law is practiced strictly. Infidelity and drug trafficking are punishable with beheading, and women still need to be accompanied by a male guardian. Saudi Arabia is the last country in the world to grant women driving rights. His plans guarantee brighter future for Saudi’s, as he is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. He has announced unique social and economic reforms after coming to power. His projects provide a forward-looking image which is a game changer for the image of Saudi globally. His statement is very bold for a conservative country like Saudi Arabia where other religious practices are not allowed. Like, for example, churches are banned. It would be great if he could change the guardianship system where women cannot marry, work, study, open bank account, apply for passport, travel or seek healthcare without the consent of their male guardians. A Saudi woman can never pass on her nationality to her children, who need a visa to enter the kingdom. Then only half of the population of Saudi Arabia can participate in the development of economy freely. Also, his cultural revolution will be successful. The prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi. × However, the success of these changes requires stability and security in the region. It will be comfortable in investing only if, there is stability and security in the region. This is only possible if the crisis in Yemen ends and the relations with Qatar resumes. Also, the prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi. Democracy and citizen rights is a distant dream in this Gulf monarchy. Gender segregation is practiced in many places and women are marginalised in jobs. Monitors, including Amnesty International, says Saudi Arabia has in parallel stepped up its repression of peaceful rights activists. Saudi authorities last month arrested more than 20 activists, including two popular Muslim preachers, without disclosing any charges against them. In such an environment, new age looks difficult. Changes in Saudi economy must be accompanied by cultural changes. The founding precepts of the country are not working anymore, as Saudi has a young population, maximum under the age of thirty. Though a lot has changed under MBS and that is giving a modern, liberal image to Saudi Arabia internationally.

Seeking foreign investment Saudi Arabia may modernise

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