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.