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Saudi crown prince dies, leaving succession uncertain
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) – The heir to the Saudi throne, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, died undergoing treatment for illness in New York. The death of the prince, who was in his 80s, opens questions about the succession in the critical, oil-rich U.S. ally.
The most likely candidate to replace Sultan as Abdullah’s successor is Prince Nayef, the powerful interior minister in charge of internal security forces, who is said to be closer to Islamic conservatives than the king. The king gave Nayef — also his half-brother — the implicit nod in 2009 by naming him second deputy prime minister, traditionally the post of the second in line to the throne.
State TV announced that Sultan died abroad, without specifying where. Saudi official circles in Riyadh said he passed away at a hospital in New York. According to a leaked U.S. diplomatic cable from January 2010, Sultan had been receiving treatment for colon cancer since 2009.
His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General
Kinship:
Sultan bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud bin Muqrin bin Markhan bin Ibrahim bin Musa bin Rabea’ah bin Manae bin Rabia’ah Al-Muridi. His ancestry goes back to Baker bin Wael of Asad bin Rabiaa dynasty. He is the Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.His Birth and Early Life:
Prince Sultan was born in Riyadh on Moday, 16th Shaban 1349H. corresponding to 5th January 1931, he grew up under his father King Abdulaziz Al-Saud – May Allah’s mercy be upon him – the founder of the modern Saudi state. He was cared for by his father, he grew up on righteous values. The Islamic upbringing had great effect on his morals, behaviors, and consequently on his public life and relations with people.On Sunday 21 Shaban 1402 H. corresponding to 13 June 1982, a Royal Decree issued and concluded the assignment of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz as the Deputy Prime Minister.
Battles with the Enemy:
During H.R.H.’s posts at the Ministry of Defense and Aviation, crucial events took place, where H.R.H. played direct and major role:In 1967 when the war broke out between Israel and neighboring Arab Countries, Saudi Armed Forces immediately called for general mobilization and the striking ground forces moved with their full support of arms occupying the front lines across the Gulf of Aqaba. They took their fixed military positions to support the Arab countries in this Arab gulf.
In 1973 when October war broke out, the resolution of general mobilization for the Saudi Armed Forces issued. On the second day, 07 October 1973 the Saudi Armed Forces moved to the Syrian Front, their deployment continued for few days and nights. On the front, they engaged in battles with the enemy immediately after their arrival and confront an attack launched by the enemy on the Saudi Forces, where the enemy believed that this part is unprotected by the Arab forces.
As soon as the Iraqi aggression took place in Kuwait in 2 August 1990, the Saudi Forces declared emergency, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques took a historical resolution requesting the support of friendly countries of Saudi Arabia.
King of Jordan and PLO leader Yasser Arafat loyal to the Enemy
King Abdullah names members of the Allegiance Commission – 2006 [pdf]
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree on December 9, 2006 naming 35 members of the Saudi royal family to the Allegiance Commission. The Allegiance Commission was established as part of a new law of succession announced in October 2006 to formalize the royal succession and ensure a smooth transfer of power. Under the new system, the King will nominate a Crown Prince, and the Allegiance Commission will vote on the candidate. Previously, the King had the sole right to select the Crown Prince. The newly named members of the Commission are all sons and grandsons of the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz will serve as chairman.
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."