AP News, January 8th, 2007
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia is considering a major Cabinet reshuffle soon, the first since he ascended to the throne of the oil-rich kingdom, diplomats and Saudi media said Monday.
The reshuffle may include key posts such as foreign minister, which has been held by Prince Saud al-Faisal for more than 30 years, and the influential oil minister, they said.
The reports came amid mounting speculations in the Saudi capital that the king was planning the reshuffle in an attempt to inject new blood into his 20-member Cabinet. When Abdullah succeeded his half brother, the late King Fahd, in August 2005, he made no changes in the government.
"It is up to the (king) to decide, and no one has the right to talk about that except him," Crown Prince Sultan was quoted as saying in the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, which is owned by the Saudi royal family. "What he decides is good for all."
It is rare for a royal family member to even refer to such an issue publicly and was viewed as a significant hint that changes are coming.
Diplomats said key members of the royal family have been discussing names of prospective candidates for some time. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
The diplomats said the changes, which could be announced next month, are expected to include members of the royal family who are either ministers or deputy ministers.
Saudis who have intimate knowledge of the discussions regarding the possible reshuffle said al-Faisal, who has had health problems, might be replaced by Crown Prince Sultan's son Prince Bandar, a former ambassador to Washington and current secretary of the National Security Council. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media.
The Saudi independent Internet news service, Elaph, also reported Monday that new ministers would be chosen among members of the Shura Council, an advisory assembly to the government named by the king.
The news service said veteran Oil Minister Ali Naimi is among those expected to leave their posts. Naimi, 67 and an oil engineer, has been in his job for more than a decade.
Others who also could be replaced are the culture and information minister, Iyad Madani, and Minister of Education Khalid al-Anqari, Elaph said on its Web site.
The news of the reshuffle comes a month after the resignation of Prince Turki al-Faisal as Saudi ambassador to the United States. His resignation after just 15 months in the post sparked speculation about a power rift within the royal family.
The royal family and government leaders are believed to be deeply divided over how to handle the growing crisis in Iraq and Iran's increasing regional influence.
Some royals favor strong aid to fellow Sunnis in Iraq while others remain more cautious and closer to their traditional ally, the United States.
Saudi Arabia also worries about turmoil in Lebanon and has been said to disagree with the U.S. on how to handle the Palestinian issue.
Founded by King Abdul-Aziz in 1932, modern Saudi Arabia is an oligarchy of thousands of princes. Abdul-Aziz died in 1953, leaving behind more than 40 sons and numerous daughters by 17 wives.
Before Abdullah, four of Abdul-Aziz's sons from the same mother ruled the kingdom. The brothers were known as "Sudairis" after the tribe of their mother.
Throne succession after Abdullah, who is in his 80s, is expected to move at a faster pace in comparison to Fahd's 23-year rule because the other sons of Abdul-Aziz in line for the crown also are aging, including Crown Prince Sultan, who is in his late 70s.
