Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, often known as MBS, has become one of the most talked-about figures on the global stage. His rise to power as the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has been marked by ambitious reforms, controversial policies, and significant international attention. Understanding the multifaceted reactions to MBS is crucial for grasping the complexities of modern Saudi Arabia and its role in the world.

Public Perception in Saudi Arabia

Mohammed bin Salman enjoys considerable support within Saudi Arabia, particularly among the younger population. His promises of modernizing the kingdom, diversifying the economy away from oil, and introducing social reforms have resonated with many Saudis who are eager for change. One of the key factors driving this support is his focus on economic development through projects like Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia's dependence on hydrocarbons and fostering new industries. This initiative has been widely publicized and has generated a sense of optimism about the future.

Social reforms have also played a significant role in shaping public perception. The lifting of the ban on women driving, the easing of restrictions on entertainment, and the curbing of the religious police's powers have been particularly well-received. These changes are seen as a move towards a more open and modern society, aligning Saudi Arabia with global norms and expectations. For many Saudis, these reforms represent a break from the past and a step towards a more progressive future.

Nationalism is another powerful force bolstering MBS's popularity. His assertive foreign policy and efforts to assert Saudi Arabia's regional leadership have tapped into a sense of national pride. The Crown Prince's strong stance against perceived threats, such as Iran, and his efforts to build alliances with other countries have been viewed favorably by many Saudis who see him as a strong and decisive leader protecting the kingdom's interests. However, it's essential to acknowledge that not all Saudis are supportive of MBS. Some conservatives may view the social reforms as moving too fast and eroding traditional values. Others may be concerned about the concentration of power in the hands of the Crown Prince and the suppression of dissent. The Jeddah Season and other entertainment festivals have been criticized by some as being un-Islamic. Nonetheless, the prevailing sentiment, particularly among younger Saudis, appears to be one of cautious optimism and support for MBS's vision.

International Reactions

Globally, reactions to Mohammed bin Salman are far more varied and complex than within Saudi Arabia. While some Western leaders initially saw him as a reformer and a potential ally, his image has been tarnished by a series of controversies, most notably the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Western governments have struggled to balance their strategic and economic interests with their concerns about human rights. On the one hand, Saudi Arabia remains a key partner in counterterrorism efforts and a major oil producer, making it difficult to isolate the kingdom completely. On the other hand, the Khashoggi affair and other human rights issues have led to increased scrutiny and criticism of the Saudi government. Some countries have imposed sanctions on individuals implicated in the murder, while others have called for greater transparency and accountability.

The Khashoggi murder undoubtedly marked a turning point in international perceptions of MBS. The gruesome details of the crime and the alleged involvement of high-ranking Saudi officials sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Many Western media outlets and human rights organizations have since been highly critical of the Crown Prince, accusing him of authoritarianism and repression. This negative publicity has damaged MBS's reputation and complicated his efforts to build relationships with foreign leaders.

Other countries have adopted a more pragmatic approach to dealing with Saudi Arabia. Some Asian nations, for example, have continued to deepen their economic ties with the kingdom, seeing it as a vital source of energy and investment. These countries often prioritize economic cooperation over human rights concerns, reflecting different geopolitical priorities. Russia has also strengthened its relationship with Saudi Arabia in recent years, particularly in the area of energy policy. The two countries have worked together to manage oil production and stabilize global oil prices, demonstrating a shared interest in maintaining market stability.

Economic and Investment Communities

The global economic and investment communities initially welcomed Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan, which promised to open up new opportunities for foreign investment and diversify the Saudi economy. Many companies were eager to participate in the kingdom's ambitious development projects, such as the construction of NEOM, a futuristic city on the Red Sea coast. However, concerns about human rights, transparency, and the rule of law have made some investors more cautious.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, has become a major player in global financial markets under MBS's leadership. The PIF has made significant investments in a wide range of companies and sectors, from technology and entertainment to real estate and infrastructure. These investments are aimed at generating long-term returns for the Saudi economy and diversifying its sources of income. However, some analysts have raised concerns about the PIF's investment strategy, arguing that it is too focused on high-profile deals and lacks sufficient transparency. The NEOM project has particularly attracted a lot of investments.

Foreign investors are also closely watching the pace of economic reforms in Saudi Arabia. While the government has made progress in areas such as improving the business environment and reducing red tape, challenges remain. Concerns about corruption, bureaucratic hurdles, and the lack of independent institutions continue to deter some investors. The initial public offering (IPO) of Saudi Aramco was a landmark event that attracted significant international attention, but it also highlighted some of the challenges of investing in Saudi Arabia. Despite these challenges, many investors remain optimistic about the long-term potential of the Saudi economy, particularly if the government continues to implement reforms and create a more attractive investment climate.

Human Rights Organizations

Human rights organizations have been consistently critical of Mohammed bin Salman's human rights record. They have documented numerous cases of arbitrary arrests, torture, and unfair trials in Saudi Arabia. They have also raised concerns about the suppression of freedom of expression and the lack of political pluralism. The crackdown on dissent has intensified under MBS's rule, with many activists, journalists, and intellectuals being imprisoned for expressing their views. The Saudi government defends its actions by arguing that it is protecting national security and combating extremism. However, human rights organizations maintain that these justifications are often used to silence peaceful dissent and suppress fundamental freedoms.

The war in Yemen has also been a major focus of human rights organizations. The Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and facing starvation. Human rights groups have accused the Saudi-led coalition of committing war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the use of banned weapons. The Saudi government denies these allegations and argues that its intervention in Yemen is necessary to counter Iranian influence and restore stability to the country. However, the conflict has further damaged Saudi Arabia's reputation and increased international pressure on the kingdom to end the war and address the humanitarian crisis.

The treatment of women in Saudi Arabia has also been a long-standing concern of human rights organizations. While the lifting of the ban on women driving was a welcome step, many other discriminatory laws and practices remain in place. Women still face significant obstacles in areas such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance. The male guardianship system, which requires women to obtain permission from a male relative for many important decisions, remains a major impediment to gender equality. Human rights organizations continue to call on the Saudi government to abolish the male guardianship system and eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reactions to Mohammed bin Salman are diverse and often contradictory. Within Saudi Arabia, he enjoys considerable support, particularly among younger Saudis who are eager for change and modernization. Internationally, however, his image has been tarnished by controversies such as the Khashoggi murder and the war in Yemen. While some countries prioritize economic and strategic interests in their dealings with Saudi Arabia, others are more critical of the kingdom's human rights record.

The economic and investment communities initially welcomed Vision 2030, but concerns about transparency and the rule of law have made some investors more cautious. Human rights organizations remain highly critical of MBS's human rights record, documenting numerous cases of abuses and calling for greater accountability. Understanding these multifaceted reactions is essential for navigating the complexities of Saudi Arabia's evolving role in the world. As Mohammed bin Salman continues to shape the kingdom's future, his actions will be closely watched by both supporters and critics around the globe.