WSJ reports on how Mohammed bin Salman took power from Mohammed bin Nayef
The first account of how Mohammed bin Salman seized power from his cousin last month is in the WSJ.
He was locked in a room by guards loyal to bin Salman and told to pledge allegiance to him. Of the 35 members of the Allegiance Council, who weigh in on leadership, 31 approved of the change in succession, according to the Saudi government.
The account is the best sign yet that leadership was taken unwillingly and without warning, essentially a coup. It also sets a precedent and increases the likelihood it will happen again.
Interestingly, another story hit at the same time. 'Sources closed to Bin Nayef' told Reuters that Bin Nayef was replaced because he was addicted to painkillers.
"The king came to meet MbN and they were alone in the room. He told him: 'I want you to step down, you didn't listen to the advice to get treatment for your addiction which dangerously affects your decisions'," said the source close to MbN.
One of these stories is close to the truth and one is propaganda. But which one?
