TODAYS MESOP SYRIA INSIGHT : Saudi Arabia Replaces Intelligence Chief
Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree Tuesday appointing a new intelligence chief after removing Prince Bandar bin Sultan “at his own request.” He has been replaced by his deputy General Youssef al-Idrissi. Bandar was formerly ambassador to the United States and had control of Saudi Arabia’s Syria file. He had criticized Washington for not conducting a military intervention into Syria.
However, some analysts have said the prince had been disengaged from Syria policy for months, and that the file had been predominantly taken over by Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef. Bandar recently returned to Riyadh after spending about two-months abroad for medical treatment. It is unclear if he will remain as head of the National Security Council. – Read more: http://www.mesop.de/?p=45993