The US shouldn’t freak out over the Saudi crown prince’s crackdown

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While Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s arrest of senior officials is concerning from a U.S. idealist’s point of view, it was likely inevitable. Bin Salman isn’t willing to wait before pursuing his wide ranging social, political and economic reforms. In turn, he has invited a major challenge from those in the regime and religious ulama who oppose him. But as I say, the crackdown isn’t surprising. After all, when bin Salman took down his powerful predecessor, Muhammed bin Nayef, earlier this summer, he proved he is decisive.

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