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SAUDI-POLITICS-CHRONO-TWO-LAST
Other reforms include reopening cinemas and allowing both sexes to attend
concerts. However Saudi women remain under various restrictions and the
authorities are accused of continuing crackdowns on rights activists.
– Crisis in Lebanon –
In November 2017 Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announces in a
televised address from Riyadh that he is resigning, citing Iran’s “grip” on
his country.
Saudi Arabia is accused of forcing his hand to make a stand against the
influence of Iran and its ally in Lebanon, Hezbollah.
Hariri, supported by Saudi Arabia for years, spends two weeks in Riyadh
amid speculation he cannot leave, until France intervenes and he withdraws
his resignation.
– Yemen war –
The crown prince in November 2017 accuses Iran of “direct military
aggression” by supplying ballistic missiles to rebels in neighbouring Yemen.
Days before, Saudi forces intercepted a ballistic missile near Riyadh
international airport that was fired by the rebels.
Riyadh entered the Yemeni conflict in 2015 at the head of an Arab military
coalition supporting the government against the Iran-allied Huthi rebels.
– Nuclear Iran –
Prince Mohammed says in March 2018 that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon,
Riyadh will do so too. In an interview with CBS television, he also likens
Iran’s supreme leader with Hitler, saying he “wants to create his own project
in the Middle East”.
Riyadh holds deep reservations over the 2015 accord aimed at controlling
Iran’s nuclear ambitions and hails President Donald Trump’s announcement in
May that the United States is withdrawing from the deal.
– Charm offensive –
In March the prince embarks on his first foreign tour as heir, visiting
Egypt and Britain — where he lunches with Queen Elizabeth II — and spending
two weeks in the United States, where he meets Trump and other political and
industry leaders. He also goes to France and Spain.
– Opening with Israel –
In what appeared to be another shift, Prince Mohammed says in a magazine
interview in April that Israelis as well as Palestinians “have the right to
have their own land”.
King Salman however later reaffirms Riyadh’s “steadfast” support for the
Palestinian cause.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1114 hrs