Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has become a prominent figure on the global stage, and his actions and policies have elicited a wide range of reactions from world leaders, international organizations, and the public. This article delves into the various responses to MBS's rise to power, his reform efforts, and the controversies that have surrounded him.

Rise to Power and Initial Reactions

MBS's ascent to power in 2017 was swift and marked by significant changes within the Saudi Kingdom. His appointment as Crown Prince signaled a shift towards a younger generation of leadership, promising modernization and economic diversification. Initially, many Western governments and business leaders welcomed MBS's ambitious reform agenda, dubbed "Vision 2030." This plan aimed to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil, develop new industries, and attract foreign investment. The promises of economic liberalization and social reforms, such as allowing women to drive, were particularly well-received.

However, alongside the optimism, there were also concerns about the concentration of power in MBS's hands and the potential for authoritarian rule. Some observers questioned the long-term sustainability of the reforms and whether they would genuinely lead to a more open and democratic society. The initial reactions were thus a mix of cautious optimism and underlying apprehension.

Positive Reactions

• Economic Opportunities: Many international businesses saw Vision 2030 as a golden opportunity to invest in Saudi Arabia's burgeoning economy. Sectors like tourism, technology, and renewable energy were identified as key areas for growth, attracting significant interest from foreign companies.
• Social Reforms: The lifting of the ban on women driving was widely celebrated as a progressive step, signaling a willingness to embrace social change. Other reforms, such as loosening restrictions on entertainment and allowing public concerts, were also met with enthusiasm, particularly among younger Saudis.
• Anti-Corruption Drive: MBS launched an anti-corruption campaign in 2017, targeting prominent businesspeople and members of the royal family. While controversial, this move was initially praised by some as a sign of his commitment to transparency and good governance. However, others viewed it as a power grab, consolidating his control over the kingdom's resources.

Negative Reactions

• Human Rights Concerns: Despite the social reforms, concerns about human rights remained prevalent. Critics pointed to the continued repression of dissent, the jailing of activists and journalists, and the lack of political freedoms. These concerns were often overshadowed by the focus on economic opportunities but remained a persistent undercurrent in the reactions to MBS's leadership.
• Yemen War: Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Yemen war, which began in 2015, drew increasing criticism from international organizations and human rights groups. The war has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing starvation and disease. MBS, as the Minister of Defense, was seen as a key architect of the Saudi-led intervention, making him a target of criticism.

The Khashoggi Murder and its Aftermath

The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018 marked a turning point in the global perception of MBS. The gruesome details of the murder, along with evidence suggesting the involvement of high-ranking Saudi officials, led to widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. The Khashoggi affair severely damaged MBS's reputation and raised serious questions about his leadership.

International Condemnation

Governments around the world, including the United States and European countries, condemned the murder and demanded a thorough investigation. Some countries imposed sanctions on Saudi officials implicated in the crime, while others suspended arms sales to the kingdom. The international outcry was unprecedented, reflecting the shock and outrage over the blatant violation of international norms.

Impact on Relations

The Khashoggi murder strained relations between Saudi Arabia and its Western allies. The United States, under President Trump, initially resisted calls for strong action against MBS, prioritizing the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and its role in countering Iran. However, Congress pushed for greater accountability, and the Biden administration later adopted a tougher stance, imposing sanctions and releasing a report implicating MBS in the murder.

Damage to MBS's Image

The Khashoggi affair significantly tarnished MBS's image as a reformer and modernizer. Many international organizations and media outlets that had previously been optimistic about his leadership became more critical, highlighting the darker aspects of his rule. The murder also raised concerns about the future of Saudi Arabia and its role in the world.

Reactions to Domestic Policies

MBS's domestic policies have also generated varied reactions, both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. His Vision 2030 plan, while ambitious, has faced challenges in implementation, and some of his social reforms have been accompanied by increased repression of dissent.

Economic Reforms

Vision 2030 aims to diversify the Saudi economy, reduce its reliance on oil, and create new jobs for young Saudis. The plan includes investments in tourism, technology, and renewable energy, as well as privatization of state-owned enterprises. While the reforms have attracted foreign investment and created some new opportunities, they have also faced challenges, such as bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of skilled labor. The success of Vision 2030 remains uncertain, and its impact on the Saudi economy is still unfolding.

Social Reforms

The social reforms introduced by MBS, such as allowing women to drive and loosening restrictions on entertainment, have been popular among many Saudis, particularly the younger generation. These reforms have been seen as a sign of progress and modernization. However, they have also been criticized by some conservatives, who view them as a threat to traditional values. Moreover, the social reforms have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, with activists and intellectuals being arrested and imprisoned for expressing critical views.

Human Rights Record

Despite the social reforms, Saudi Arabia's human rights record remains a major concern. The kingdom continues to be criticized for its use of the death penalty, its restrictions on freedom of expression, and its treatment of women and minorities. The jailing of activists and journalists, the suppression of dissent, and the lack of due process in the legal system have all drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations.

Geopolitical Implications

MBS's foreign policy decisions have also had significant geopolitical implications, shaping regional dynamics and international relations. His assertive approach to foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iran and Yemen, has been both praised and criticized.

Relations with Iran

Saudi Arabia and Iran are regional rivals, and MBS has taken a hard line against Tehran, accusing it of destabilizing the region and supporting terrorism. He has sought to counter Iran's influence in countries like Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, leading to proxy conflicts and heightened tensions. The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has become a major source of instability in the Middle East, with implications for global security.

Yemen War

The Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, aimed at restoring the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, has been widely criticized for its devastating humanitarian consequences. The war has resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing starvation, disease, and displacement. The Saudi-led coalition has been accused of war crimes, including indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas. The Yemen war has become a major stain on MBS's reputation and has led to calls for an end to arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Relations with the United States

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States has been a cornerstone of the global oil market and regional security for decades. However, the Khashoggi murder and other issues have strained relations between the two countries. The Biden administration has adopted a tougher stance towards Saudi Arabia, emphasizing human rights and accountability. While the strategic partnership between the two countries is likely to continue, the relationship may be more transactional and less unconditional than in the past.

Future Outlook

The future of MBS and Saudi Arabia remains uncertain. His Vision 2030 plan faces challenges in implementation, and his human rights record continues to be a source of concern. However, he has also demonstrated a willingness to embrace social change and modernize the kingdom. The reactions to MBS will likely continue to be mixed, reflecting the complexities of his leadership and the challenges facing Saudi Arabia in a rapidly changing world. It will be crucial to monitor his actions and policies closely to assess their impact on the region and the world. Guys, only time will tell how it all unfolds!