News stories about Saudi Arabian government policy almost always reference Mohammad bin Salman, who serves as Crown Prince and Prime Minister. However, while Mr. bin Salman may be the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, he is not the de jure ruler. That honor goes to his father, King Salman. King Salman has ruled since January 23, 2015, and is now 89 years old. He succeeded many brothers and half brothers, who have ruled Saudi Arabia continuously since their father died in 1953. It has occurred to me we do not hear much about King Salman these days, but a report in today’s Semafor Gulf newsletter offered a sign of life:

King Salman removed Talal bin Abdullah Bin Turki al Otaibi as assistant minister of defense and Mohammed bin Hamad Al Madhi as president of General Organisation of Military Industries, which was involved in localizing defense procurement. The Royal Court also announced that Ghassan bin Abdul Rahman Al Shibl was removed as advisor at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. No replacements were announced.

Of course, assuming arguendo that the Crown Prince is calling the shots in the King’s name, this update does little to alter the current perception that the Crown Prince is in fact the de jure ruler of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking of no-replacements, I read an interesting article a few months ago about how Saudi Arabia has no Deputy Crown Prince, who would be third-in-line to the throne.