The Middle Eastern geopolitics is rapidly changing. The chess pieces are moving promptly on the geopolitical chessboard. New alliances are being established. Each new event is revealing more about the future directions of the Middle Eastern players.
The Iran-Israel war exposed the Israeli fragilities and weaknesses. Israel is no longer considered invincible by the regional players. The end is near for the Zionist project. The war in Gaza has turned Israel into a pariah state. The old world order is crumbling before everyone’s eyes.
Arab regimes have learned a vital lesson: that alliances with Zionist powers will no longer protect or save their monarchies. The Israeli attack on Qatar has confirmed that Arabs need to look elsewhere for protection. Building stronger relations with other Muslim nations, such as Pakistan, seems appealing to the Arab regimes. Saudi Arabia is the first to strengthen their alliance with Pakistan.
Since World War I, Arabs have relied on alliances with Zionist powers. Saudi Arabia made a pact with the USA to sell oil in dollars and then invested most of their wealth in American corporations. This secured their right to rule over Arabia. The American military has many bases in Saudi Arabia, allegedly to protect the regime.
Then why are the Saudis feeling so insecure? Are they afraid of karma? Are they afraid of being backstabbed?
The Arabs (the Sharifs of Makkah) backstabbed the Ottoman Empire and supported the Zionists during the First World War. Ever since, various Arab regimes have supported the Zionist Empire, including Saudi Arabia. The current Saudi state was established in 1932. However, historically, the Al Saud tribe have been trying to dominate and rule over the region since 1727.
- The first Saudi state was the Emirate of Diriyah (1727–1818)
- The second Saudi state was the Emirate of Nejd (1824–1891)
- The third Saudi state is the current Kingdom (1932–Present)
The founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was King Abdulaziz Al Saud (1877-1953). He had 22 wives, and his children, who later became kings, were half-brothers born to different mothers from distinct tribes. The mothers of his sons who became kings were primarily from three main tribes:
- The Anaza tribe: This is one of the largest and most prominent tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. It has a deep connection to the central region of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Najd region.
- The Shammar tribe: Another important tribe from the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly associated with the regions of Iraq and Syria, as well as the Arabian desert.
- The Sudairi family (from the Sudairi tribe): This refers to a branch of the Al-Faysal family, which is part of the large and influential Al Saud family itself. The Sudairi branch became very powerful, and the mother of King Fahd, King Salman, Crown Prince Sultan, Crown Prince Nayef, and Prince Ahmad (the so-called “Sudairi Seven”) was from the Sudairi tribe.
Needless to say, the Saudi rulers are finding themselves between a rock and a hard place. They do not have the luxury of popular public support, and America is providing lip service to the Arabs while backing Israel’s policies. There is zero public support for Zionist policies in the Arab streets. This is the weak point that the Arab rulers struggle to overcome.
Within the family, the Sauds are divided too. The current ruler, King Salman, broke away from the tradition and appointed his son as the Crown Prince, by first removing his brother and then his nephew. This has created a huge resentment within the Royal family. One thing is clear: The Al Saud are no longer united. And once the king dies, a civil war is expected between the royals.
According to a famous hadith:
It was narrated from Thawban that the Messenger of Allah (SWT) (PBUH) said: “Three will fight one another for your treasure, each one of them the son of a caliph, but none of them will gain it. Then the black banners will come from the east, and they will kill you in an unprecedented manner.” Then he mentioned something that I do not remember, then he said: “When you see them, then pledge your allegiance to them even if you have to crawl over the snow, for that is the caliph of Allah (SWT), Mahdi.” (Sunan Ibn Majah:4084)
This is the reason the Zionist state is racing against time to build Greater Israel as soon as possible. To achieve as much as possible while the Al Saud are still in power. Because after the death of King Salman, the two crown Princes who were forcibly removed would also claim the right to the throne. The three crown princes who will fight each other could be: Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al Saud, Mohammed bin Nayef, and Mohammed bin Salman. See below.
| KING ABDUL AZIZ AL-SAUD | Was the founder of the Third Saudi State, 1932 to presentDied 1953 | |
| King Saud | 1953–64, Removed | Crown Prince: Faisal |
| King Faisal | 1964–75, Assassinated | Crown Prince: Khalid |
| King Khalid | 1975–82, Died at 79 | Crown Prince: Fahd |
| King Fahd | 1982–2005, Died at 84 | Crown Prince: Abdullah |
| King Abdullah | 2005–2015 Died at 91 | Crown Princes Sultan: 2005–2011 Died at age 83 Nayef: 2011–12 Died at age 78 Salman: 2012–15 Elevated to king |
| King Salman | 2015–Present | Crown Princes Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al Saud January–April 2015 Removed age 69 Mohammed bin Nayef April 2015–June 2017 Removed age 57 Mohammed bin Salman June 2017–present Appointed at age 32 |
It is possible that King Salman could be the last of the Saud clan to rule over Saudi Arabia. After the death of King Salman, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) may not become the next king. MBS is known for using his power to oppress his opponents and create fear among the public. It is unlikely that the Pakistani military would get involved in the family disputes.
The geopolitics of the region is changing at a fast pace. King Salman will be 90 years old at the end of this year. Saudi Arabia could be the next domino to fall.
Allah knows best.
