An article by Khashoggi in Der Spiegel: Ibn Salman, the heart of the Saudi political system

Khaled Shammat-Berlin

In an unpublished article, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi spoke about the atmosphere of repression in his country and the swift retaliation against anyone who disliked Mohammed bin Salman since he came to power. He said that after he overthrew the political system in Saudi Arabia, Trust anyone.

The reason for the non-publication of the article, according to the magazine Der Spiegel, that Khashoggi edited a long article of ten thousand words, while required an article of ten thousand characters only.

autocrat
Der Spiegel said that Khashoggi spoke in the unpublished part of his article on the change of power structure within the family of the Saud family since the arrival of Mohammed bin Salman for the term of the Covenant, and painted a picture of him as an authoritarian ruler with absolute powers is not mercy when it comes to disposal of those who do not like him.

Khashoggi said that Ibn Salman has gathered all powers in the civil and military fields, and restructured and led the security services on an unprecedented scale, knowing that he is the Crown Prince only, and his father is the king.

The late journalist explained that the king's brothers - before the Crown Prince took power - were like the ruling deputies, led the important ministries, and distributed jobs, money and land. Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, for example, was defense minister for more than 40 years, In 2011, enjoyed broad international relations and was distinguished by the huge arms deals that had taken place in his mandate, which were legendary.

He added that Ibn Salman had allowed only a small number of family members to hold important positions. He kept everyone away, including his brothers. No one was allowed to approach him except his three-year-old brother Khalid bin Salman, who has a distinguished position as the Saudi ambassador to the United States.

The crown prince was then quickly arrested by senior members of the royal family and businessmen under the pretext of fighting corruption, and then formed a committee he chaired to investigate senior princes, officials and former ministers.

War of Corruption
Khashoggi said he has always hoped that his country would adopt a "real war on corruption, not a temporary campaign" aimed at confiscating money and property "in a way that shakes the confidence of international investors in Saudi Arabia and destroys its economy."

He said he also wanted a real confrontation with religious extremism, but added: "But I did not want to replace the fanatics with fascists who swore day and night with the great leader and mercilessly destroy anyone who disagrees with the opinion of the authority."

"The war in Yemen is a terrible human tragedy, made worse by the worst expectations," Khashoggi said, stressing that Mohammed bin Salman, who ran his policy within the royal family with great skill, "showed no apparent efficiency" in managing the economy and foreign policy. The people of this country are hungry. "

He also stressed that he would like his country to face "Iran's sectarian expansion in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen." But he stressed that he did not want to enter into an open war with Iran, expressing his hope that Saudi Arabia would have a significant influence in the region.

"Absolute power is a mistake for any country," he said, adding that the Arabs had "bad experience" with leaders who became dictators once they came to power. "These leaders have caused to a great extent our suffering, tribulations and civil wars."