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The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

FRONTLINE PBS | Official・72 minutes read

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman initially praised as a reformer faced scrutiny after reports of dissidents being tortured and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, leading to questions about his involvement in the regime's actions. Despite facing international condemnation for his crackdown on dissent, MBS focused on his Vision 2030 plan and did not apologize for Khashoggi's murder.

Insights

  • Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was initially praised as a reformer in the United States but faced scrutiny due to reports of dissidents being tortured and silenced in Saudi Arabia, especially after the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, raising questions about the regime's involvement.
  • MBS's reforms in Saudi Arabia aimed to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependence, and promote social changes such as women's integration and cultural openness, but these initiatives were accompanied by intensified control measures, blacklists targeting dissenters, and crackdowns on critics and activists.
  • Despite international pressure and evidence linking MBS to Khashoggi's murder, he has not apologized, focusing on his Vision 2030 plan while facing criticism for his authoritarian tactics, including detaining and mistreating activists, journalists, and religious figures who expressed dissent.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Mohammed bin Salman?

    Mohammed bin Salman, commonly known as MBS, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He was initially praised as a reformer but faced scrutiny after reports of dissidents being tortured and silenced in Saudi Arabia. The brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi raised questions about his involvement, leading to investigations that highlighted his role in the regime.

  • What reforms did Mohammed bin Salman introduce?

    Mohammed bin Salman introduced various reforms in Saudi Arabia to reduce oil dependence, youth unemployment, and promote cultural and economic diversification. His initiatives included stopping arrests for cultural activities, reducing religious police power, and promoting women's integration. MBS aimed to transform Saudi Arabia into a tourist destination, import Western technology, and take Saudi ARAMCO public to finance his Vision 2030 plan.

  • What led to the international condemnation of Saudi Arabia?

    The international condemnation of Saudi Arabia stemmed from the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkish intelligence revealed audio tapes proving Khashoggi was interrogated, tortured, and murdered, implicating key Saudi officials. Despite denial from the Saudi government, the CIA concluded that Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi's murder, leading to widespread criticism and calls for accountability.

  • How did Mohammed bin Salman consolidate power?

    Mohammed bin Salman consolidated power by taking over key positions, controlling the Interior Ministry, and effectively managing social media to influence opinions. He utilized Saud al-Qahtani to manipulate Twitter discourse, infiltrate the platform, and target dissenters. MBS intensified control measures, creating blacklists to identify and target critics, leading to a crackdown on activists and opposition figures.

  • What impact did Jamal Khashoggi's murder have on Saudi politics?

    Jamal Khashoggi's murder shed light on the complexities of Saudi politics and power dynamics, exposing the repressive nature of the regime. The international outrage and investigations into his killing highlighted the state's involvement in the crime, leading to calls for accountability and transparency. Khashoggi's disappearance and murder significantly impacted Saudi Arabia's reputation and raised questions about the leadership of Mohammed bin Salman.

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Summary

00:00

"Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: Reformer or Tyrant?"

  • Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was initially praised as a reformer in the United States.
  • However, there were reports of dissidents being tortured and silenced in Saudi Arabia.
  • The brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi raised questions about the regime's involvement.
  • Investigations into Khashoggi's murder led to scrutiny of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
  • Prince Mohammed's father, King Salman, played a significant role in grooming him for leadership.
  • Mohammed bin Salman was appointed as the successor to the throne at a young age.
  • MBS demonstrated his toughness by leading military campaigns, including in Yemen.
  • The Yemen campaign was supported by many, including Jamal Khashoggi.
  • Khashoggi, initially a pro-government voice, later became critical of the regime.
  • Khashoggi's disappearance and murder shed light on the complexities of Saudi politics and power dynamics.

16:46

MBS's Reforms and Controversies in Saudi Arabia

  • Jamal Khashoggi was a professional journalist with a good sense of humor, admired Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for his reformist ideas.
  • MBS was seen as a savior by young Saudis and Khashoggi, who found hope in the new king and young advisor.
  • MBS's initiatives included cultural and economic reforms to reduce oil dependence and youth unemployment in Saudi Arabia.
  • MBS aimed to diversify the economy, import Western technology, and transform Saudi Arabia into a tourist destination.
  • MBS's reforms included stopping arrests for cultural activities, reducing religious police power, and promoting women's integration.
  • MBS planned to take Saudi ARAMCO public to finance his Vision 2030 and introduce major social reforms.
  • MBS aimed to de-emphasize religion, promote nationalism, and create a new Saudi identity through his reforms.
  • MBS's changes did not lead to political openness or tolerance, causing concerns among politically-minded Saudis.
  • MBS sought U.S. support through Trump, signing a historic arms deal and aiming to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • MBS's foreign policy included a blockade against Qatar, accusing them of supporting terrorism and demanding their compliance.

35:54

MBS's Power Grab and Control Tactics

  • MBS aimed to be the dominant decision-maker in the region, facing opposition from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef.
  • Bin Nayef was summoned by the king and publicly humiliated by MBS, leading to his effective house arrest.
  • Mohammed bin Nayef lost all his positions, including control over Saudi Arabia's security services.
  • Trump congratulated MBS shortly after Mohammed bin Nayef's removal.
  • MBS consolidated power by taking over key positions and effectively controlling the Interior Ministry.
  • MBS initiated reforms, including opening cinemas and managing social media to control power.
  • MBS utilized Saud al-Qahtani to manipulate Twitter discourse and influence opinions.
  • Qahtani's tactics included using fake accounts and bots to promote pro-MBS content and attack critics.
  • The Saudis allegedly infiltrated Twitter through a mole, accessing private information and targeting activists.
  • MBS intensified control measures, creating blacklists to identify and target dissenters, leading to a crackdown on critics and activists.

54:52

Saudi Arabia's Crackdown: Dissent, Arrests, and Abuse

  • Essam al-Zamil faced trouble after questioning Prince Mohammed's Saudi Aramco I.P.O. valuation.
  • Al-Awdah, a popular religious figure, was arrested for expressing hope for MBS and the emir of Qatar's reconciliation.
  • Al-Awdah was charged with 37 offenses, including "Spreading discord and inciting against the ruler."
  • Al-Awdah was mistreated during his arrest, blindfolded, handcuffed, and interrogated without rest.
  • Khashoggi, after leaving Saudi Arabia, began writing columns criticizing the repressive nature of the country.
  • Khashoggi supported reforms but was upset by the arrests of moderate figures like Al-Awdah.
  • Hariri was detained and forced to resign due to Saudi accusations of not countering Iranian influence.
  • MBS initiated a crackdown, detaining businessmen and princes, demanding repayment for financial exploitation.
  • Reports of abuse and torture emerged from the Ritz-Carlton detentions, with detainees coerced to sign over fortunes.
  • Despite international pressure, civilian casualties in Yemen mounted, with thousands killed and wounded.

01:11:48

"MBS's Controversial Reign: Media, Activism, Murder"

  • Wall Street titans, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood were part of an operation that captivated tech and movie industry individuals.
  • Notable journalists like Thomas Friedman in the U.S. have shown significant support for MBS.
  • MBS met with Jewish-American groups in New York to alter his stance on Israel and Palestinians.
  • MBS granted his first American TV interview to "60 Minutes" and emphasized revolutionary reforms in Saudi Arabia.
  • MBS's media advisor, Saud al-Qahtani, accompanied him and expressed equality for women and opposition to Iran.
  • Loujan al-Hathloul, an activist, faced arrest and torture for campaigning against the driving ban for women in Saudi Arabia.
  • Several women activists, including Loujan, were arrested, tortured, and faced sexual harassment in Saudi prisons.
  • Al-Hathloul attempted to report her torture to the Saudi Human Rights Commission but received no protection.
  • Khashoggi, a critic of MBS, faced threats and harassment, leading to his disappearance and murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
  • The Saudi government denied torture allegations and held women activists without trial, facing international condemnation.

01:29:25

Turkish reporters uncover details of Khashoggi murder.

  • Turkish newspaper "Sabah" reporters gathered details from Turkish intelligence and police regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
  • The reporters learned about two Saudi planes leaving Istanbul before obtaining more information.
  • Yasin Aktay, advisor to Turkey's President Erdogan, described the difficult moment upon learning of Khashoggi's brutal murder.
  • Surveillance footage revealed a body double attempting to deceive police into believing Khashoggi left the consulate alive.
  • Turkish intelligence disclosed the existence of audio tapes proving Khashoggi was interrogated, tortured, and murdered.
  • National Security Advisor John Bolton and Jared Kushner contacted Riyadh, followed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting with the crown prince.
  • Turkish media identified all 15 Saudis involved in the operation, including key members like Maher Mutreb.
  • General Ahmed al-Asiri, former spokesman for MBS' war in Yemen, was implicated in the planning of the murder.
  • The CIA concluded that Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi's murder, despite Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's public statements.
  • Maher Mutreb made a call on the day of the murder to a number linked to the crown prince's office, indicating direct involvement.

01:45:16

MBS's Involvement in Khashoggi's Murder

  • The C.I.A. report linked MBS to the killing of Khashoggi, but the texts examined by Kroll did not mention Khashoggi, kidnapping, or murder.
  • The NSA discovered incriminating evidence in intercepts, revealing MBS expressing frustration about Khashoggi's influence and suggesting violent actions against him.
  • Agnes Callamard's detailed report on Khashoggi's killing, based on audio recordings, highlighted the state's involvement in the crime.
  • MBS has not apologized for Khashoggi's murder, focusing on his Vision 2030 plan while facing criticism for his crackdown on dissent.
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