Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
The rule of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz will be remembered as a milestone in the history of the kingdom due to the significant contributions he made to the development of the country. The image of Barack Obama, president of the superpower in the world, bowing before King Abdullah on the sidelines of the G20 summit in 2009, is still fresh in our minds. The late king imposed himself as a venerable leader and a distinct international figure.
The transfer of power after his death was smooth because of the successful political and succession system implemented since the establishment of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Some of the outstanding achievements of the late king were allowing women to become members of the Advisory Council, setting up a power transfer system through the Allegiance Commission, the launch of a major scholarship project for which he allocated 25 billion Saudi riyals, and the launch of a mega, modern railway project linking different parts of the kingdom.
King Abdullah also revoked the traditional position of the ‘second deputy prime minister’ and replaced it with deputy crown prince. Under him, Saudi media enjoyed more freedom and he took personal interest in expanding and renovating the two holy mosques, and initiated interfaith dialogue and reconciliation among Arab countries, the GCC states in particular.
Saudi Arabia is a country of regional and international importance because of its area, population, religious status, economic role and geographical location. The smooth flow of energy from producer states to industrialised countries is essential for the stability of the world economy, and the role of the kingdom in this regard is crucial.
Riyadh is also an influential player in the Middle East in the wake of the instability caused by Arab Spring, which has resulted in regime changes in some countries and ongoing political tensions in others.
King Abdullah’s successor King Salman is very popular, and he has been part of decision-making for more than 50 years. He takes charge at a crucial time for the country and the region, and is capable of addressing issues like the stability of the kingdom and regional and international issues like the IS threat and the situations in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and North Africa. THE PENINSULA
