Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud
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Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud
"Nayef" redirects here. For the thoroughbred racehorse, see Nayef (horse).
| Nayef bin Abdulaziz al Saud | |
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| Tenure | October 27, 2011 – present |
| Predecessor | Sultan bin Abdulaziz |
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| In office | 1975 – present |
| Predecessor | Fahd bin Abdulaziz |
| Spouse | Maha al-Sudayri |
| Issue | |
| Princess Jowaher Princess Noura Prince Saud Prince Muhammad |
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| House | House of Saud |
| Father | King Abdulaziz |
| Mother | Hassa al Sudairi |
| Born | 1933 (age 78–79) Taif, Saudi Arabia |
| Religion | Islam |
Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also spelled Naif, (Arabic: نايف بن عبد العزيز آل سعود) is the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia.
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Early life and education
Nayef bin Abdulaziz was born in Taif in 1933. He is son of King Abdulaziz and Hassa bint Ahmad al Sudairi. Therefore, he is one of Sudairi brothers.[1]
He received his education at "The Princes School" and at the hands of senior ulema (religious leaders). In addition, he has read widely in politics, diplomacy, and security.
Early experience
During the period of 1952-1953, Prince Nayef served as vice governor of Riyadh Province. In 1953, he was appointed as governor of Riyadh Province. He stayed in this post for only one year.[2] In 1970, King Faisal appointed him to both deputy minister of the Interior and minister of State for Internal Affairs.[3]
Minister of Interior
| Styles of Crown Prince Nayef |
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| Reference style | His Royal Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Royal Highness |
Timeline
In March 1975, after King Faisal's assassination, then-Minister of Interior Prince Fahd became the crown prince. His full brother Prince Nayef was appointed as the Minister of Interior.
In December 1994, he ordered hundreds of terrorism-related arrests with the support of Prince Turki, head of Saudi intelligence services.[1]
In April 2001, he, not Foreign Minister Saud al Faisal, went to Iran as Saudi envoy in an unprecedented move.
In November 2001, he issued all women in Saudi Arabia identity cards. Women were previously registered under their husband's or father's name.[1]
After the September 11 attacks, he received U.S. criticism for not undertaking sufficient action against extremists.[4]
In 2003, Prince Nayef, who is in charge of foreign labor, decreed that foreign workers and their family members should not exceed 20 percent of the Saudi population in 2013.[5]
In July 2003, Senator Charles Schumer lobbied through Prince Bandar to remove Prince Nayef as Minister of Interior.[6]
Between 2003 and 2006, he led Saudi's confrontation against al Qaeda, which sponsored a series of domestic attacks on expatriate housing compounds, oil infrastructure, and industrial facilities.[7] His political stance was strengthened because of increased media exposure and the successful end to terrorist attacks.[7]
In March 2011, during the 2011 Saudi Arabian protests, 200 people who called for more information on their imprisoned relatives were denied a meeting with Nayef.[8]
Influence
Nayef bin Abdulaziz had members of the Ministry of Interior placed in all overseas embassies.[1]
His career was propelled by his full-brother King Fahd. Under Fahd, the Ministry of Interior became one of the most influential bureaucracies in Saudi Arabia. He served as a mediator in disputes between King Fahd and Prince Sultan. As King Fahd's health deteriorated, his power gradually diminished as well. However, Prince Nayef is currently the most influential of the Sudairi Seven. He has delegated the day-to-day responsibilities of his ministry to Deputy Minister Prince Ahmed and to his son, Prince Muhammad.
In 2003, he "threatened to cancel certain business deals with the French government" if the narcotics investigation of Prince Nayef bin Sultan bin Fawwaz al-Shaalan continued.[9]
When meeting with US diplomats in 2009, he voiced support for aggressive activity against Iran after what he believed was a breach of the 2001 security agreement. He urged European nations to hand in terrorist suspects and asked for U.S. intercession. He said the most effective way to combat extremism was through Friday sermons.[10]
Second deputy prime minister
Since Crown Prince Sultan could not deal with demanding duties due to his extended absences for treatment and King Abdallah was about to travel to Doha to attend the League of Arab States Summit before going to London for the G20 Summit, it was imperative to leave a senior official in charge, which added burdens to the leukemia-suffering 76-years old Nayif.[3] Therefore, on 27 March 2009, Prince Nayef became Second Deputy Prime Minister. It caused a rare public split in the royal family. Prince Talal called on the King to clarify that the appointment did not necessarily mean that Nayef would become Crown Prince.[11]
His appointment as Second Deputy Prime Minister expanded Prince Nayef's influence into all corners of Saudi domestic policy and allowed him to partake in the development of foreign policy. He was not expected to interfere in economic matters, but to influence the judiciary.[7]
Nayef bin Abdulaziz chaired many cabinet meetings when King Abdullah and Prince Sultan were away for health reasons.[7] Critics said he was behind the cancellation of the nation's only film festival in the summer of 2009.[7] In November 2010, he undertook all Hajj-related responsibities.[12] In some government offices, his picture was added next to King Abdulaziz, King Abdullah and then-Crown Prince Sultan.
Crown prince
Nayef bin Abdulaziz was appointed Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and First Deputy Prime Minister by King Abdullah on October 27, 2011, five days after the death of his full brother, Prince Sultan[13][14]
It is argued that mainly three factors were taken into consideration while selecting him as a crown prince. The first one is that Prince Nayef solidly attempts to suppress domestic opposition with an iron fist, including the challenge posed by al Qaeda. The second factor is related to his conservative personality, indicating his close relationship with the clerical establishment in Saudi Arabia. The last factor is his cordial relations with foreign Muslim Brotherhood groups that are considered to gain power in the new societies created as a result of "Arab spring". Therefore, Prince Nayef seems to be the right person to lead Saudi Arabia into integration with this dominant trend occurred recently.[15]
Various positions
Prince Nayef is the Supervisor General of the Saudi Committee for the Al Quds Intifada, which provides aid to Palestinian refugees. He heads the Supreme Council on Information, which oversees the media and regulates the internet.[16] He also chairs the Supreme Committee on the Hajj and heads the Ministerial Committee on Morality and the Ministerial Oversight Committee on the World Trade Organization.[16]
Views
Prince Nayef is considered to be one of the most conservative persons in the Al Saud family.[7] He views the potential erosion of the official Wahhabi-Salafi doctrine as a diminishing of the core legitimacy of the state itself and has resisted such moves, not from a pronounced sense of religious devotion, but rather a desire to maintain a firm grip on the levers of state power.[17]
In November 2002, Nayef said, "It is impossible that 19 youths carried out the operation of September 11, or that bin Laden or Al Qaeda did that alone. … I think [the Zionists] are behind these events."[18] He later proposed that Americans visiting the kingdom should be fingerprinted like visitors to the United States.[19]
According to leaked cables, Prince Nayef argued for a tougher approach than King Abdullah towards Yemeni President Saleh in 2009.[20]
Again, based on leaked cables, it is argued that his views on Iran are more sophisticated and comprehensive than those of King Abdullah.[21]
His motto is “no to change, yes to development”. He believes that no change is necessary in Saudi Arabia: “Change means changing something that already exists. Whatever exists in the Kingdom is already well-established; however, there is a scope for development – development that does not clash with the principles of the nation”.[22] In a similar vein, in March 2009, he publicly stated that he saw no need for either elections or women in government.[19]
From his residence in Algeria after Cleveland "planned health-tests" in March 2012, Prince Nayef addressed the controversy over the participation of Saudi women athletes at the Olympic games in London in 2012 Summer. According to al Hayat newspaper, the crown prince said that women can represent Saudi at the Olympics in London as long as they do not contradict Islamic laws. His approval was conditioned on women competing in sports that "meet the standards of women's decency and don't contradict Islamic laws," though even this concession seemed surprising. However, only a few days later, his statement led to other statements by Saudi officials. The head of the Saudi Olympic Committee, Nawwaf bin Faysal, explicitly stated that Saudi women athletes will not be sent to the London Olympics in a press conferene in Jiddah: "We are not endorsing any Saudi female participation at the moment in the Olympics or other international championships". He further added that Saudi women taking part on their own are free to do so, and the Kingdom's Olympic authority would "help in ensuring that their participation does not violate the Islamic shari'a law." Though he did emphasize that this was in accordance with a previously-stated position, it did seem a rebuff to Crown Prince Nayif.[23]
Personality
Prince Nayef, before appointed second deputy prime minister in 2009, was generally described as elusive, ambiguous, pragmatic, unimaginative, shrewd, and outspoken. According to leaked cables, he has a reputation of being anti-Western, but he tends to do business if there are shared interests. It is further stated that his conversative approach, in fact, does not reflect his personal religious persoanlity (indeed, he was rumored to be a heavy drinker in his younger days). However, his conservative views have allowed him to build support among social and religious conservatives. He seems to be reserved and even a bit shy. While at first avoiding eye-contact, he is susceptible to flattery and, later he warms up, occasionally reveals an almost impish sense of humor. He is neither well-spoken nor articulate, and has a tendency to repeat platitudes in private as well as in public. He does appear to understand and speak at least some English.[21]
Prince Nayef is considered by other princes to be one of the kinder members of his royal generation in his approach towards nephews and nieces.[24]
Philantrophy
Prince Nayef has been active in philanthropy to Palestinians, Indonesians and Pakistanis.
Prince Nayef together with his full brother and his deputy at the Ministery of Interior, Prince Ahmed are reported to pay massive bonuses to successful security officers, but also have a reputation for honesty and using the massive security budget only for the mission and not to enrich themselves.[25]
Health
Nayef bin Abdulaziz is said to be suffering from diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis[26] as well as cancer.[23]
In March 2012, he went to Morocco for "private vacation"[27] , then to Cleveland for pre-planned medical tests. This news arised some speculation about his health and Saudi succession.[28] He returned to Saudi Arabia in April 2012. However, he again left Saudi Arabia for medical tests on May 26, 2012.[29]
Personal life
Prince Nayef married three times. His first wife was Noura Alfarraj Alsubaie. Later, they divorced. His children from this marriage is Nuf. Al Jawhara bint Abd al Aziz bin Musaid Al Jiluwi is his second spouse. His children from this marriage are Noura and Saud [7] and Sara.
Maha bint Mohammed bin Ahmad al Sudairi is his another spouse. Their children are: Muhammad[30], Jawahir, Nawwaf, Mishail, Hayfa and Fahd.
In June 2009, Maha bint Mohammed claimed diplomatic immunity in France after running up unpaid shopping bills of more than £15 million including £60,000 on designer lingerie.[31] In August 2010, she bought about $20,000 worth of glassware and silverware.[32][21]
His daughter, Princess Jawahir, is married to late King Fahd's son, Mohammed bin Fahd who is the governor of Eastern Province.[33]
| Preceded by Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud |
Governor of Riyadh 1953–1955 |
Succeeded by Salman bin Abdul Aziz |
| Preceded by Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud |
Minister of the Interior 1975–present |
Incumbent |
| Preceded by Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud |
Second Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia March 2009 – October 27, 2011 |
Succeeded by vacant |
| Preceded by Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud |
Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia October 27, 2011–present |
Incumbent |
References
- ^ a b c d Al Sudairi Clan. Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved on October 13, 2011.
- ^ "His Royal Highness Prince Naif bin Abduaziz Al-Saud". Ministry of Foreign Affiars. http://www.mofa.gov.sa/SITES/MOFAEN/ABOUTKINGDOM/SAUDIGOVERNMENT/SAUDILEADERSHIP/Pages/LeaderShip234437.aspx. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
- ^ a b Kéchichian, Joseph A. (June 2009). "Refining the Saudi “Will to Power”". NUS Middle East Institute. http://www.mei.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/MEI-Perspectives-003.pdf. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
- ^ "Who's who: Senior Saudis". BBC News. October 30, 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7068977.stm.
- ^ Raphaeli, Nimrod (September 2003). "SAUDI ARABIA: A BRIEF GUIDE TO ITS POLITICS AND PROBLEMS". Middle East Review of International Affairs 7 (3). http://meria.idc.ac.il/journal/2003/issue3/raphaeli.pdf. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
- ^ O'Brien, Timothy L. (August 1, 2003). "Senators Push Saudi Arabia to Improve Antiterrorism Efforts". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/01/us/senators-push-saudi-arabia-to-improve-antiterrorism-efforts.html?ref=nayef.
- ^ a b c d e f g "FACTBOX – Prince Nayef one of most powerful Saudi princes". Reuters. September 7, 2010. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-51336520100907?pageNumber=1.
- ^ "Saudis protest outside Interior Ministry". The News Tribune/AP. March 13, 2011. Archived from the original on March 17, 2011. http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/03/13/1582849/saudis-organize-outside-interior.html. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
- ^ ABC's 20-20 and a book by Fabrice Monti.[1][2]
- ^ cable 09JEDDAH343, PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT BRENNAN'S SEPT 5 DISCUSSION. wikileaks.org. Created 2009-09-11. eleased November 28, 2010
- ^ Spencer, Richard (March 29, 2009). "Hardline Prince moves closer to Saudi Arabia's throne". The Daily Telegraph (London). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/5071865/Hardline-Prince-moves-closer-to-Saudi-Arabias-throne.html.
- ^ Khan, Mohsin. "New Saudi Crown Prince - Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud". Diplomatic Circle. http://www.diplomaticcircle.com/December11_Articles/prince_nayef.php. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
- ^ "Saudi names Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as new crown prince". All Headline News. October 27, 2011. http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/90063535?Saudi%20names%20Nayef%20bin%20Abdulaziz%20Al%20Saud%20as%20new%20crown%20prince.
- ^ McVeigh, Tracy (October 23, 2011). "Prince Sultan's death fuels debate about who will succeed to the Saudi throne". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/22/prince-sultan-death-nayef-saudiarabia.
- ^ "Saudi Prince Nayef's rise in tune with Muslim Brotherhood's regional takeover". TF Metal Reports. October 22, 2011. http://www.tfmetalsreport.com/forum/2767/saudi-prince-nayefs-rise-tune-muslim-brotherhoods-regional-takeover. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
- ^ a b Who is Prince Nayef?. The Weekly Standard (2002-12-23). Retrieved on October 13, 2011.
- ^ Ana Echagüe; Edward Burke (June 2009). "‘Strong Foundations’? The Imperative for Reform in Saudi Arabia". FRIDE (Spanish Think-tank organization). p. 1-23. http://edoc.bibliothek.uni-halle.de/servlets/MCRFileNodeServlet/HALCoRe_derivate_00003652/Strong%20Foundations.pdf. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
- ^ Arab Press Says Jews Perpetrated 9/11 Attacks – August 30, 2006 – The New York Sun. Nysun.com. Retrieved on October 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Simon Henderson Desert Schism: Prince Nayef Bids for Saudi Throne. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. March 31, 2009
- ^ Yemeni Tribal Leader: For Saleh, Saudi Involvement In Sa'Ada Comes Not A Moment Too Soon | الأخبار. Al-akhbar.com (2009-12-28). Retrieved on October 13, 2011.
- ^ a b c "S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 06 RIYADH 001402". GUARDIANGATE. http://leaks.hohesc.us/?view=09RIYADH1402. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
- ^ Wurm, Iris (2008). "In Doubt for the Monarchy. Autocratic Modernization in Saudi-Arabia". Peace Research Institute Frankfurt. http://cgi.hsfk.de/fileadmin/downloads/PRIF-81-web.pdf. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
- ^ a b Kapoor, Talal. "Nayif's Return - A Lame Duck Crown Prince? (April 11, 2012)". Datarabia. http://www.datarabia.com/royals/viewCommentary.do?id=79251&pageNum=2. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
- ^ "All eyes on Nayef's strategy". Bridging the Gulf. November 21, 2011. http://www.bridgingthegulf.org/en/news/news/All_eyes_on_Nayef_s_strategy.html?id=127. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
- ^ Anthony H. Cordesman; Nawaf Obaid (May 30, 2004). "Saudi internal security: A risk assessment". Center for Strategic and International Studies. http://www.mafhoum.com/press7/197P8.pdf. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ "The royal house is rattled too". The Economist. March 3, 2011. http://www.economist.com/node/18291511. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
- ^ "Crown Prince leaves Riyadh on private vacation". Ministry of Interior. March 3, 2012. http://www.moi.gov.sa/wps/portal/!ut/p/b1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOJNnQOcPS18jQ3dA0LNDYzczE28nM28LQy8TYAKIoEKDHAARwNC-oNT8_TD9aPwKjMxhipwdnf0MDH3MTCw8HE3NfB09AgNsgw0NjZwhCnA4w4_j_zcVP2C3IgKzywTRQA0KNqq/dl4/d5/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS80SmtFL1o2X0dOVlMzR0gzMTBGSUUwSVFJSkozR1YzQ0w2/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/main/moi+home+content/home/news/news+archive/moi_news_03-03-2012c_en. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
- ^ "Crown Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Arrives in Morocco". Gulf in the Media. March 2, 2012. http://www.gulfinthemedia.com/index.php?m=gcc_press&id=2387525&cnt=171&lang=en. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
- ^ "Saudi crown prince leaves for more medical tests, report says". Fox News. May 26, 2012. http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/18630794/saudi-crown-prince-leaves-for-more-medical-tests-report-says. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
- ^ Murphy, Caryle (June 5, 2009). "The heir apparent". Global Post. http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/saudi-arabia/090504/Prince-Nayef-Abdul-Aziz. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
- ^ Allen, Peter (June 12, 2009). "Saudi princess runs up £15 million shopping bill". The Daily Telegraph (London). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/5514600/Saudi-princess-runs-up-15-million-shopping-bill.html.
- ^ "Saudi princess pays retail". New York Post. August 3, 2010. http://www.nypost.com/f/print/pagesix/saudi_princess_pays_retail_nUqnv6EvJNHXAIZCQ0ZJ2L.
- ^ "Family Tree of Muhammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz al Saud". Datarabia. http://www.datarabia.com/royals/famtree.do?id=176534. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
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