A Saudi prince goes missing
The London Review of Books blog says that a Saudi prince has gone missing:
Saudi Arabiaâ??s former ambassador to Washington, Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, has disappeared. In the absence of any official news about his health or whereabouts, the rumour mill has been working overtime. As is often the case with Saudi affairs, the truth is elusive. Those who know wonâ??t talk and those who donâ??t know talk a lot.Last August the Iranian media reported that Bandar had been put under house arrest, allegedly for plotting a coup to try and ensure the Kingdom would continue under the rule of the Sudairi branch of the Al Saud family. But Iran isnâ??t the most reliable source: al-Arabiya, Saudi Arabiaâ??s news network, gibes Iran hourly over its ongoing political turmoil; Iranâ??s al-Alam and Press TV hit back at Saudi Arabia whenever they can.
Others say that Bandar is depressed or has been ordered by King Abdullah to keep a low profile because he meddled in Syrian affairs, trying to stir up the tribes against the Assad regime, without the kingâ??s approval.
According to Saudi opposition sources, Bandar is now in Dhaban Prison, in north west Jeddah, a high security jail where terrorist suspects and political opposition figures are held. Bandar is said to be in a special wing where the other prisoners are four senior generals: one from the army, one from the royal guard, one from the national guard and one from internal security. Bandarâ??s lawyer in the US denies he is in prison and says he has been seen out and about recently, although he wouldnâ??t divulge when, where or even in which country.
If you're interested in learning about the succession struggle in Saudi Arabia, the Washington Institute published a good study on it here.
