Blood and Oil: Book Overview
How did Mohammed bin Salman rise to power in Saudi Arabia? What impact has his leadership had on the kingdom and beyond?
The Blood and Oil book by Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck explores MBS's dramatic ascent and his vision for Saudi Arabia's future. You'll learn about his bold economic plans, social reforms, and controversial actions on the world stage.
Keep reading to discover the fascinating story of how MBS reshaped Saudi Arabia and why his rule has been both praised and criticized.
Overview of Blood and Oil
Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, rose to prominence through a calculated consolidation of power. He orchestrated major shifts within the Kingdom's leadership hierarchy and initiated bold economic and social reforms. The Blood and Oil book explores Bin Salman's uncompromising strategies, including marginalizing rivals, transforming Saudi society, and his alleged involvement in the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck provide an inside look at Bin Salman's controversial leadership style and grand vision for modernizing Saudi Arabia. Though his initiatives are transformative, his authoritarian approach in eliminating dissent has sparked international condemnation and threatens to overshadow his ambitious reforms.
Mbs's Rise to Power
Mohammed bin Salman's ascent to power in Saudi Arabia was marked by strategic maneuvering and a consolidation of authority that reshaped the kingdom's power structure. His rise began with savvy business moves, like persuading Verizon to start building a fiber-optic network in Saudi Arabia in 2008. This success, along with others, helped strengthen his father Salman's position and ultimately paved the way for MBS's own advancement.
When King Abdullah passed away, King Salman reorganized key positions in a way that elevated MBS in the line of succession, despite him not being an original contender. MBS played a crucial role in influencing his father's decisions, demonstrating his assertive nature through major changes to the monarchy's structure. He faced resistance within the royal family, particularly from relatives like Turki bin Abdullah, whose ambitions were seen as a threat to Salman's succession plans. To solidify his power, MBS employed a range of tactics, including digital surveillance of opponents and appealing to the youth demographic.
MBS's consolidation of power involved the strategic removal of obstacles. This included ousting and detaining Khalid al-Tuwaijri and orchestrating Mohammed bin Nayef's removal from the line of succession at Mecca's Al-Safa palace. The infamous Ritz-Carlton incident, where numerous prominent figures were confined, highlighted MBS's willingness to use forceful tactics to cement his authority. He also implemented measures against perceived threats, such as limiting the movements of certain royal family members and interrogating associates of his rivals.
Restructuring Saudi Arabia's Power Dynamics
MBS masterminded a significant reorganization that shifted the power dynamics in Saudi Arabia to benefit his position. This restructuring touched every aspect of the kingdom's governance and economy.
Military and Security Forces Overhaul
Historically, Saudi Arabia's armed forces were influenced by various branches of the royal family, each controlling different segments. MBS changed this by centralizing authority over all areas under his command, marking a significant shift in the kingdom's power structure. His increasing influence in governmental affairs and control over military operations was underscored by his direction of major campaigns, such as the initiation of the Saudi-coordinated Operation Decisive Storm.
Economic Control Through the Public Investment Fund
MBS didn't just secure command over the military and security forces; he also focused on consolidating his grip on the country's economic mechanisms. He understood that exerting significant sway over the country's economic affairs was essential to achieving his broader ambitions. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) became a central player in these endeavors, aiming to accumulate a diverse collection of global investments valued at $2 trillion by 2030.
MBS used the PIF as a tool to engage in international investments, establish worldwide partnerships, and assume command over the kingdom's principal corporations. This strategy cemented his dominant economic position within Saudi Arabia. The PIF played a significant role in facilitating substantial commercial transactions, further strengthening MBS's control over the country's financial future.
Vision 2030: Transforming Saudi Arabia's Economy and Society
MBS's strategic plan, known as Vision 2030, aims to transform Saudi Arabia's economic and social landscape into a more diverse and modern nation. This ambitious blueprint touches on various aspects of Saudi life and the country's global positioning.
Reducing Oil Dependence
A key aspect of Vision 2030 involves shifting Saudi Arabia away from its heavy reliance on petroleum. This approach included the historic initial public offering (IPO) of shares in the state-run oil company, Aramco. The IPO was a resounding success, raising $25.6 billion and valuing the firm at $1.7 trillion, despite concerns over financial transparency and potential legal complications.
MBS directed funds from the Aramco IPO into developing sectors beyond oil, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. This fund focused on channeling substantial investments into infrastructure initiatives, predominantly within the United States. The broader Vision 2030 plan encompasses various economic activities including investment opportunities, bond issuances, and advisory positions.
Neom: A Futuristic Megacity
One of the boldest initiatives within Vision 2030 is NEOM, a futuristic urban center with an estimated budget of $500 billion. NEOM is designed to operate at the cutting edge of innovation and transform Saudi Arabia into an essential hub for business, innovation, and intercultural dialogue. The project emphasizes industries like tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy.
NEOM features ambitious proposals such as the use of automated labor, advanced urban design, and attractive propositions for prospective investors and technology collaborators. There's even speculation about aspirations in genetic engineering. This megacity project, along with the creation of other tourist destinations and the easing of regulations on previously restricted sectors (like cinemas and entertainment), aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy and attract global investment.
Social Liberalization and Modernization
Vision 2030 also involves a gradual dismantling of many conservative social customs that previously characterized Saudi Arabia. Women's rights have expanded, with the ban on female drivers being lifted to foster increased involvement of women in the workforce. The country has seen the development of a recreational industry, including the establishment of luxury seaside resorts as part of the Red Sea Project.
MBS has declared his commitment to eradicating extremist ideologies and fostering a version of Islam he describes as moderate. This marks a departure from the era of conservatism initiated in 1979. The nation has started to embrace a range of cultural activities and forms of entertainment previously shunned, while also promoting women's involvement in societal roles and welcoming international visitors.
In NEOM, there are plans to relax Islamic laws, promote personal freedoms, and potentially loosen alcohol restrictions to attract global tourists and workers. MBS has shown a surprising readiness to participate in global partnerships and embrace cultural practices not typically associated with the kingdom, such as a softer stance on Israel and the incorporation of Western cultural aspects like sports and potentially the Hollywood entertainment industry.
Mbs on the Global Stage
Mohammed bin Salman has launched bold international initiatives that have markedly changed Saudi Arabia's stature and influence on both a global and regional scale. His actions have often been controversial and have had far-reaching consequences.
Regional Conflicts and Tensions
MBS initiated a military campaign in Yemen, taking a firm stance in regional matters without consulting the United States or discussing the matter with Mohammed bin Nayef, who then held the positions of Crown Prince and Minister of the Interior. MBS described the operation "Decisive Storm" as a critical action targeting the Houthi insurgents in Yemen, whom he considered a substantial threat to Saudi Arabian security. However, the mission, which relied primarily on aerial bombardment and was expected to swiftly succeed, led to significant civilian casualties and is generally considered unsuccessful.
This involvement has heightened the regional power struggle, exacerbating tensions with Iran. Under MBS's leadership, Saudi Arabia has adopted a bolder and more independent stance in its international relations. This was demonstrated by its reactions to major events like the attacks on its oil infrastructure and the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by an American drone.
The Qatar Blockade
In 2017, MBS led Saudi Arabia in imposing a sweeping embargo on Qatar, accusing it of backing terrorist activities and deepening ties with Iran. This unprecedented action against another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country involved the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain, leading to significant economic isolation and airspace restrictions for Qatar. MBS reportedly even contemplated a military incursion to curtail Qatar's sovereignty.
The blockade had unintended consequences, as Qatar strengthened its partnerships with both Iran and Turkey in response. This incident further demonstrated MBS's bold and sometimes ill-advised approaches to foreign policy. The initiative faced significant challenges, including the compromise of digital systems linked to Qatar's state news agency.
International Financial Support
MBS has worked diligently to establish connections with Western nations and attract global business investments. He initiated direct engagement with President Trump's administration and cultivated relationships with prominent individuals, including the President's son-in-law. MBS gained trust through his progressive approach to leadership that prioritized innovation and collaborative economic growth.
To showcase Saudi Arabia's investment potential, MBS orchestrated opulent events such as the Future Investment Initiative. His interactions with key players in international commerce, including Silicon Valley's technology moguls and notable Hollywood personalities, underscore his ambition to secure global support and financial commitments for Vision 2030.
During a visit to Egypt, MBS boldly confronted local leaders, labeling Turkey as part of a "triangle of malevolence" alongside promoters of extremist Islamic ideologies. He has consistently highlighted his goal to reshape Saudi Arabia into a progressive nation that appeals to investors. This is demonstrated by actions such as granting citizenship to a robot and channeling significant investments into worldwide businesses through various initiatives, meetings, and global events.
Suppression of Dissent and the Khashoggi Affair
Throughout Mohammed bin Salman's tenure, the global community has consistently condemned the suppression of dissent in Saudi Arabia. The assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, in particular, has remained at the forefront of international concern and has significantly impacted MBS's reputation.
The Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi
Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist with varying ties to the royal family over time, ultimately became a passionate critic of MBS's strategies and measures. His evolution into a staunch adversary of the government was marked by increasingly severe commentaries, particularly those written for a prominent American newspaper. This indicated his rise as a dedicated opponent of the regime and resulted in considerable turmoil within the Saudi administration.
Khashoggi's safety was compromised due to his growing opposition. His participation in an organization advocating for democracy in Arab nations and his interactions with legal investigators regarding the lawsuit initiated by family members of September 11 victims further endangered him. Efforts to muzzle him within Saudi Arabia, such as limitations on his writing imposed by Saud al-Qahtani (one of MBS's principal consultants) and overtures of reconciliation that Khashoggi turned down, curtailed his public expression and prompted his relocation to Washington, D.C.
CIA assessments suggest that MBS considered a range of tactics to persuade Khashoggi to return to Saudi Arabia, hinting at the possibility of using fatal measures if he did not comply. Tragically, Khashoggi met his end inside the Saudi diplomatic mission in Istanbul, where he had gone to collect documents. The gruesome assassination, characterized by drugging, asphyxiation, and mutilation, was carried out by Saudi operatives and incited worldwide condemnation.
International Backlash
The international community voiced their disapproval and condemnation upon learning the details of Khashoggi's murder. President Erdogan of Turkey regarded the act as a personal affront, a sentiment echoed by leaders worldwide. Initially resistant, the Saudi government, under King Salman's instruction, embarked on an overhaul of its intelligence framework, appointing MBS to lead this initiative.
Key individuals and businesses started retracting their backing for MBS after the CIA implicated him in the murder. The association with an individual implicated in the assassination of a journalist made business chiefs and government officials wary, significantly diminishing his reputation. The global dissemination of intelligence reports during the Biden administration reinforced the perception of Mohammed bin Salman's involvement, while President Trump's strong support underscored the complexities of international political dynamics.
The aftermath of Khashoggi's murder continues to echo globally, potentially leading to economic penalties and straining international ties with Saudi Arabia. The ramifications of the incident have elicited reactions and statements from global personalities, suggesting that the assassination could have enduring consequences that affect Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to rehabilitate his reputation.
Broader Pattern of Suppression
The killing of Khashoggi is indicative of a broader pattern of authoritarian governance that has characterized MBS's leadership era. His ascent to power brought with it an intensification of crackdowns on any form of dissent. The crackdown has ensnared a diverse group, including individuals who championed the cause of women's rights like Loujain al-Hathloul, as well as clerics, royals, and those who exhibited even minor opposition to MBS's policies or reform initiatives.
The secretive anti-corruption committee played a crucial role in detaining many influential figures within Arab nations amid growing allegations of human rights abuses and torture. International entities and defenders of human rights have underscored the authoritarian nature of MBS's rule, characterized by an unwavering intolerance for opposition or critical commentary.
Surveillance and Cyber Warfare
The Saudi Arabian government has employed a variety of tactics to quell dissent, including cyber tools, surveillance applications, and internet attacks to pursue detractors both within their own borders and in other countries. Concerns are growing about the state's alleged accumulation of personal user information and its attempts to unmask individuals who have covertly criticized the government, underscoring the far-reaching and invasive aspects of its surveillance operations.
MBS and his team appear to be conducting a calculated campaign to breach the privacy and security of those they view as opponents, including high-profile figures like former officers of Saudi intelligence. The kingdom's secretive attempts to control information and suppress dissent were exposed when intercepted communications revealed conversations with Jamal Khashoggi and others.
Under MBS's leadership, the Saudi government has shown its willingness to take drastic actions to maintain power and silence any opposition or political conversation, whether within the country or abroad. This is evidenced not only by the killing of Khashoggi but also by the severe methods used to stifle dissent across the board.