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Funeral held for Saudi king as new ruler moves younger generation closer to throne Funeral held for Saudi king as new ruler moves younger generation closer to throne
(about 2 hours later)
RIYADH—Saudi Arabia’s new king joined prayers Friday before the simple burial of the country’s late ruler Abdullah even as attention shifted to the new map of royal succession that moved a younger generation closer to the throne.RIYADH—Saudi Arabia’s new king joined prayers Friday before the simple burial of the country’s late ruler Abdullah even as attention shifted to the new map of royal succession that moved a younger generation closer to the throne.
The quick action by King Salman to clarify the top tier of the Saudi hierarchy sought to project stability and resolve at a time when the country faces challenges on multiple fronts, including threats from Islamist militants and the political breakdown in neighboring Yemen.The quick action by King Salman to clarify the top tier of the Saudi hierarchy sought to project stability and resolve at a time when the country faces challenges on multiple fronts, including threats from Islamist militants and the political breakdown in neighboring Yemen.
[Read obit: Abdullah, a wily king who embraced limited reform, dies][Read obit: Abdullah, a wily king who embraced limited reform, dies]
Salman’s decisions also acknowledged an important generational shift underway in the kingdom. Salman’s decisions also acknowledged an important generational shift underway in the kingdom — naming the country’s 55-year-old interior minister as the deputy crown prince. That puts him just behind Salman’s younger brother, Prince Muqrin, 69, in line for the throne.
He named the country’s 55-year-old interior minister as the deputy crown prince — putting him just behind Salman’s younger brother Prince Muqrin, 69, in line for the throne. The interior minister, Mohammad bin Nayef, represents the first time the succession ranks have moved beyond the sons of the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz, to the generation of his grandchildren.
Mohammad bin Nayef represents the first time the succession ranks have moved beyond the sons of the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz, to the generation of his grandchildren.
The move brings the country’s leadership one step closer to the realities around them.The move brings the country’s leadership one step closer to the realities around them.
Close to half of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 25 years old and often straddle two worlds: the ultraconservatives rules at home with the free-wheeling marketplace of ideas online.Close to half of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 25 years old and often straddle two worlds: the ultraconservatives rules at home with the free-wheeling marketplace of ideas online.
The Arab Spring upheavals across the region did not directly touch Saudi Arabia, but the speed and scope of the changes — often driven by young protesters — did not go unnoticed by the Saudi elite.The Arab Spring upheavals across the region did not directly touch Saudi Arabia, but the speed and scope of the changes — often driven by young protesters — did not go unnoticed by the Saudi elite.
[Read: Abdullah’s death sets up complex succession process][Read: Abdullah’s death sets up complex succession process]
“We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment,” Salman said in his first address after taking the throne.“We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment,” Salman said in his first address after taking the throne.
The message also reached out to Western allies to suggest no major shifts in policy, and also to the country’s youth as a hint that he would stick with Abdullah’s slow yet steady reforms such as greater education options for women. The message also reached out to Western allies to suggest no major shifts in policy, and also to the country’s youth as a hint that he would stick with Abdullah’s slow yet steady reforms. The changes under Abdullah’s nearly decade-long rule included greater education options for women and granting women the right to vote in local elections planned for later this year.
But the speech further suggested that Salman will seek to continue Saudi Arabia’s increasing role in regional affairs, which has occasionally put it at odds with Washington. In one key break, Saudi leaders expressed dismay when the United States opted not to wage airstrikes against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But everything in Saudi Arabia must first pass through the powerful Islamic religious establishment, which gives the House of Saud legitimacy to rule in the land of Islam’s holiest sites. The country’s morality police remain a potent force, and some reforms remain out of reach such as lifting the ban on women driving.
“The Arab and the Islamic nations are in dire need of solidarity and cohesion,” the king said. Saudi Arabia’s strict codes also have faced global condemnation, including the sentencing of a blogger to 1,000 lashes last year for posted deemed insulting to Islam. The public punishment has been suspended after one round of flogging.
Salman’s speech further suggested he will seek to continue Saudi Arabia’s increasing role in regional affairs, which has occasionally put it at odds with Washington. In one key break, Saudi leaders expressed dismay when the United States opted not to wage airstrikes against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
“The Arab and the Islamic nations are in dire need of solidarity and cohesion,” the 79-year-old king said.
The new deputy crown prince is the son of former Crown Prince Nayef, who died in 2012. As head of the powerful Interior Ministry, which is in charge of domestic security, Mohammad earned a reputation for tough measures, especially crackdowns on al-Qaeda militants who oppose Saudi Arabia’s close ties to the West.The new deputy crown prince is the son of former Crown Prince Nayef, who died in 2012. As head of the powerful Interior Ministry, which is in charge of domestic security, Mohammad earned a reputation for tough measures, especially crackdowns on al-Qaeda militants who oppose Saudi Arabia’s close ties to the West.
He has survived several assassination attempts, including a 2009 al-Qaeda suicide bombing that left him slightly injured.He has survived several assassination attempts, including a 2009 al-Qaeda suicide bombing that left him slightly injured.
In the capital Riyadh, Salman took part in prayers with royal family members before the burial of Abdullah, whose body will be wrapped in a simple shroud and placed in a simple unmarked grave in accordance with the kingdom’s conservative Islamic traditions. In the capital Riyadh, Salman took part in prayers with royal family members before the burial of Abdullah, whose body will be wrapped in a simple shroud and placed in an unmarked grave in accordance with the kingdom’s conservative Islamic traditions.
[View: The Saudi royal family tree][View: The Saudi royal family tree]
The death of Abdullah, 90, was announced early Friday in Saudi Arabia. He had been hospitalized while undergoing treatment for pneumonia at a hospital in Riyadh.The death of Abdullah, 90, was announced early Friday in Saudi Arabia. He had been hospitalized while undergoing treatment for pneumonia at a hospital in Riyadh.
The ceremonies and burial will be attended only by family members and the inner circle of aides and friends — in sharp contrast the extensive state funerals held for other rulers in the region such as parade of dignitaries who attended the 1999 funeral for Jordan’s King Hussein.The ceremonies and burial will be attended only by family members and the inner circle of aides and friends — in sharp contrast the extensive state funerals held for other rulers in the region such as parade of dignitaries who attended the 1999 funeral for Jordan’s King Hussein.
Pale bearers from his family carried a litter holding the king’s shrouded body to the public al-Oud cemetery, a sandy field with small, undecorated marker stones in sight of shabby apartment blocks that are home to some of the south Asian and African workers who flock to the Gulf for construction jobs and other work.
The cemetery was guarded from early morning by soldiers stationed every 100 feet or so around the perimeter. Crowds stood for hours as military helicopters hovered overhead.
Graffiti sprayed on the cemetery wall said in Arabic: “Death is a door through which everyone must pass.”
“I’m so sad about this, he was a good king,” said Ibrahim al-Dosry, 29, a Saudi man who stood in a crowd near the cemetery entrance. “It is our duty to be with the king in his last moments.”
Dosry and others watched as a steady stream of shiny Black VUVs, Range rovers, Bentleys and other luxury cars carrying royal family members and others drove by escorted by police cars with flashing lights.
Tributes from around the world poured in for Abdullah, a key Western ally. The White House announced that Vice President Joe Biden would lead a U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia in the coming days to pay respects to the king’s family.Tributes from around the world poured in for Abdullah, a key Western ally. The White House announced that Vice President Joe Biden would lead a U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia in the coming days to pay respects to the king’s family.
Under the country’s austere interpretations of Islam, there were very few public displays of mourning or transition. Flags were not lowered to half staff as in the West, and buildings were not decked in black as in other Muslim countries such as Iran.Under the country’s austere interpretations of Islam, there were very few public displays of mourning or transition. Flags were not lowered to half staff as in the West, and buildings were not decked in black as in other Muslim countries such as Iran.
But work crews were quietly dispatched to change some signs on at least one major boulevard, which was renamed for the new king.But work crews were quietly dispatched to change some signs on at least one major boulevard, which was renamed for the new king.
Salman, 79, also took further steps to consolidate the ranks of Saudi leadership. Salman, meanwhile, took further steps to consolidate the ranks of Saudi leadership.
He appointed his own son, Mohammad bin Salman, to succeed him as defense minister and also to the powerful position of head of the king’s royal court, replacing Abdullah’s long time chief. He appointed his own son, Mohammad bin Salman, to succeed him as defense minister and also to the powerful position of head of the king’s royal court, replacing Abdullah’s longtime chief.
While that position does not place Mohammad bin Salman in the direct line of succession to the throne, it solidifies the power of Salman’s direct family inside a royal family that is riven by political maneuvering.While that position does not place Mohammad bin Salman in the direct line of succession to the throne, it solidifies the power of Salman’s direct family inside a royal family that is riven by political maneuvering.
The succession process is conducted by the Allegiance Council, a body created by Abdullah. It consists of 35 senior princes, all sons and grandsons of Abdulaziz, who meet in secret to choose a new leader when the king dies.The succession process is conducted by the Allegiance Council, a body created by Abdullah. It consists of 35 senior princes, all sons and grandsons of Abdulaziz, who meet in secret to choose a new leader when the king dies.
The new crown prince Muqrin is said to be smart and is well-liked by ordinary Saudis; he also has good ties with Saudi Arabia’s most important ally, the United States. But the choice sparked fierce opposition from some of the many excluded princes, who complained that Abdullah was defying a tradition that allows each king to name his own heir. Additionally, Muqrin’s mother was a Yemeni concubine, not a Saudi princess, and some in the family reportedly consider his lineage too impure for him to wear the crown. The new crown prince Muqrin is said to be smart and is well-liked by ordinary Saudis; he also has good ties with Saudi Arabia’s most important ally, the United States.
But the choice sparked fierce opposition from some of the many excluded princes, who complained that Abdullah was defying a tradition that allows each king to name his own heir. Additionally, Muqrin’s mother was a Yemeni concubine, not a Saudi princess, and some in the family reportedly consider his lineage too impure for him to wear the crown.
Khaled al-Maeena, a columnist for the Saudi Gazette newspaper who was the paper’s longtime editor, said Saudi tradition sets aside three days for mouners to pay condolences and pledge support to the new king.Khaled al-Maeena, a columnist for the Saudi Gazette newspaper who was the paper’s longtime editor, said Saudi tradition sets aside three days for mouners to pay condolences and pledge support to the new king.
He said people outside of Riyadh would go to regional governor’s offices to make that pledge, which described as a show of unity.He said people outside of Riyadh would go to regional governor’s offices to make that pledge, which described as a show of unity.
“It’s not like he’s Caesar,” Maeena said. “It’s just for people to show that they are with him.”“It’s not like he’s Caesar,” Maeena said. “It’s just for people to show that they are with him.”
Salman, meanwhile, takes charge amid an array of challenges. Salman takes charge amid an array of challenges.
Saudi Arabia is deeply worried about the apparent collapse of the government in neighboring Yemen and the rise of rebels believed backed by Iran, the main regional rivals of Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab partners.Saudi Arabia is deeply worried about the apparent collapse of the government in neighboring Yemen and the rise of rebels believed backed by Iran, the main regional rivals of Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab partners.
The Saudi leadership has also pressed for greater international aid for Syrian rebels seeking to topple Assad.The Saudi leadership has also pressed for greater international aid for Syrian rebels seeking to topple Assad.
Falling oil prices have hit the bottom line for OPEC’s biggest producer, but Saudi officials also are watching how the drop in oil revenue is squeezing Iran. On Friday, oil prices rose as the Saudi power transition added uncertainty to the market.Falling oil prices have hit the bottom line for OPEC’s biggest producer, but Saudi officials also are watching how the drop in oil revenue is squeezing Iran. On Friday, oil prices rose as the Saudi power transition added uncertainty to the market.
Inside the kingdom, Saudi security officials have stepped up security measures and surveillance on suspected Islamist militant cells. In November, Saudi security forces arrested more than 80 people in extensive sweeps after attacks against the country’s Shiite minority blamed on al-Qaeda-linked gunmen. Inside the kingdom, Saudi security officials have stepped up security measures and surveillance on suspected Islamist militant cells. In November, Saudi security forces arrested more than 80 people in extensive sweeps after deadly attacks against the country’s Shiite minority blamed on al-Qaeda-linked gunmen.
In contrast to the homage from world leaders, Web sites used by Islamist militants carried hateful message directed toward Abdullah and his ties to the West.
The phrase “Death of a Tyrant,” translated into Arabic, began a popular Twitter hashtag.
Another post on social media depicted Abdullah as one of the foreign hostages held by the Islamic State: wearing an orange jumpsuit with a masked militant standing behind holding a knife.
“We don’t want him to die. We want to slaughter him this way,” the post said,
Abdullah, the sixth king of Saudi Arabia, gained a reputation as a reformer without changing his country’s power structure and maintained good relations with the United States while striking an independent course in foreign policy.Abdullah, the sixth king of Saudi Arabia, gained a reputation as a reformer without changing his country’s power structure and maintained good relations with the United States while striking an independent course in foreign policy.
He pumped billions of dollars into modernization of the Saudi educational system; opened up the Saudi economy; ushered his country into the World Trade Organization; curbed the authority of the religious police; pardoned some victims of an unforgiving judiciary; met with then-Pope Benedict XVI and espoused interfaith tolerance; cracked down on extremism; reached out to women; and offered a plan for Arab peace with Israel.He pumped billions of dollars into modernization of the Saudi educational system; opened up the Saudi economy; ushered his country into the World Trade Organization; curbed the authority of the religious police; pardoned some victims of an unforgiving judiciary; met with then-Pope Benedict XVI and espoused interfaith tolerance; cracked down on extremism; reached out to women; and offered a plan for Arab peace with Israel.
Yet the cumulative effect of his policies was to reinforce the House of Saud’s absolute power over the country. His embrace of reform did not extend to politics. Dissenters who went too far were jailed or silenced, though he did reinstitute elections for municipal councils and announced that women could vote and run as candidates in the next round.
His predecessor, Fahd, suffered a debilitating stroke in 1995. The following January, Abdullah, as crown prince, assumed most of the duties and responsibilities of the monarch, and in effect ran the country as regent until Fahd’s death in 2005.His predecessor, Fahd, suffered a debilitating stroke in 1995. The following January, Abdullah, as crown prince, assumed most of the duties and responsibilities of the monarch, and in effect ran the country as regent until Fahd’s death in 2005.
At the end of King Abdullah’s reign, Saudi Arabia was a different country from the one in which he came to power — much more open to economic entrepreneurs, more receptive to public discussion of its many problems, and even courting tourists.
But in another sense, the country was unchanged: All power ultimately lay with the royal family, supported by a compliant religious establishment, and ordinary citizens still were disenfranchised.
King Abdullah gained worldwide renown for his sponsorship of a new graduate-level university, named for him, in which classes and laboratory sessions are coeducational, a breach of taboo that heartened liberals across the country.
At the same time, he ordered the construction of an all-female university in Riyadh, perpetuating the gender segregation that has become perhaps the biggest obstacle to economic progress in Saudi Arabia. It was a typical move for a monarch who always sought to balance a new generation’s desire for change withthe conservative establishment’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s traditional ways.
Murphy reported from Washington.Murphy reported from Washington.