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Graphic shows profile of Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
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SAUDI ARABIA

After Khashoggi murder, some Saudi royals turn against king’s favourite son

By Mike Tyler

November 20, 2018 - Amid outrage over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, some members of Saudi Arabia’s ruling family are looking to prevent Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from becoming king.

Dozens of princes and cousins from the powerful Al Saud family want to see a change in the line of succession but would not act while King Salman – the crown prince’s 82-year-old father – is still alive, according to a Reuters report.

Instead, they are discussing the possibility that 76-year-old Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, the king’s sole surviving full brother, could ascend to the throne.

Senior U.S. officials have indicated to Saudi advisers in recent weeks that they would support Prince Ahmed, who was deputy interior minister for nearly 40 years, as a potential successor, according to Saudi sources with direct knowledge of the consultations.

However, one senior U.S. official said the White House is in no hurry to distance itself from Mohammed bin Salman despite pressure from lawmakers and the CIA’s assessment that the crown prince ordered Khashoggi’s murder.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 20/11/2018; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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