Advertisement Continue reading the main storyThe rise of Prince bin Salman has shattered decades of tradition in the royal family, where respect for seniority and power-sharing among branches are time-honored traditions. King Salman collapsed the crown prince’s court into his own, giving Prince bin Salman control over access to the king. Prince bin Salman also hastily announced the formation of a military alliance of Islamic countries to fight terrorism. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyThe bigger surprise was that the king named Prince bin Salman deputy crown prince. But he also has a history of personal antipathy toward Prince bin Nayef, adding a particular urgency to his support for the chief rival of the Saudi crown prince.

Source: New York Times October 15, 2016 15:29 UTC