Saudi Arabia’s crown prince named prime minister

Neelam Rahim – neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read | 10:30 pm CAT

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formalised his tacit role as the effective Saudi Leader by becoming the official Prime minister of the Saudi Kingdom. With the Crown Prince already leading the country’s socioeconomic reforms, the question remains whether his accent means anything fundamentally different in Saudi trajectory for foreign policy. Specifically, some observers have warned that this may signal a shift in the Kingdom’s attitude towards normalising relations with Israel.

Discussing Saudi foreign policy with Radio Islam International Researcher and fellow with the Sectarianism Aziz Algashian argues there is no fundamental shift that will happen.

According to Algashian, many people will attempt to speculate this as a shift, especially toward Israel.

However, his research regarding Saudi-Israel relations has garnered much attention and speculation.

He added, “If the Crown Prince wanted to normalise relations, he would have by now.”

Meanwhile, other things may happen in Saudi regarding the Arab Peace Initiative.

Characterising the relationship between Israel and Saudi, Algashian theories it is passive. He said Saudi and Israel orbit around each other rather than working toward each other.

“The Saudi perspective suggests that it can cooperate only conditionally,” he said.

Listen to the interview with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Aziz Algashian on Radio Isam’s podcast.

South Africa’s Soaring Sexual Offences: Criminologist Warns of Deep-Rooted Systemic Crisis

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 08 January 2025 | 15:45 CAT A disturbing picture of violent crime continues to plague South Africa, despite a marginal decrease in murder and robbery. According to the latest quarterly crime statistics released by...

Reflections on Ramaphosa-Trump Meeting

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 25 May 2025 | 11:30 CAT A fiery exchange and tense moments marked the recent diplomatic engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office—an encounter that political...

Menopause And Perimenopause

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 14 May 2025 4-minute read A range of physical, mental and emotional changes take place in a women’s body at different stages in her life. Dr Aakifah Parker, a GP in Cape Town with a special interest in women’s healthcare,...

ASRI Report: Budget Blues — South Africans Face Silent Tax as Government Balances on Fiscal Tightrope

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 23 May 2025 | 10:45 CAT After much political wrangling and multiple failed attempts, South Africa’s national budget has finally been tabled — but not without controversy. With increasing financial pressure and a...

SAHUC Update – South African Hujjaj in high spirits

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za 23 May 2025 | 11:45 CAT 2 min read As the days of Hajj draw closer, preparations and final arrangements for South African pilgrims are in full swing. Speaking to Radio Islam International, Hafidh Ismail Koovadia of the South African...