Amid the growing tension in Gulf states over the recent Saudi purge, which saw detention of at least 11 princes and dozens more bureaucrats over corruption, two of the Maldivian ministers are visiting elites of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.
Fisheries minister and special representative to president Abdulla Yameen, Dr. Mohamed Shainee had tweeted stating he met with Maldivian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abdulla Hameed as well as the Saudi counterpart to Maldives, Bader Ali Al-Kohail.
While local dignitaries are visiting leaders of Gulf states, the recent crackdown of a newly formed anti-corruption committee spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman has experienced high-profiled arrests made in the royal families. So far 11 princes and a dozen more bureaucrats have faced the anti-corruption committee's hook and currently under investigation.
On the other hand, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has met with dignitaries of United Arab Emirates (UAE) the second power-player in Gulf states. Emrates, which usually acts as the de-facto second in command of the region has backed Saudi initiative against Yemen's Houthi rebels. In an obvious chain of events, Yemen's leader Abdu Rabb Mansoor and several elite members of the government have been reprimanded of their responsibilities and kept in detention at Saudi over conflict with UAE.
Meanwhile the Saudi purge had extended to allied countries of the kingdom in which the latest noteworthy event occurred when Lebanon's Prime Minister Saud Hariri resigned from his designation to fly back to homeland Saudi Arabia. Both Hariri and his late father, Rafiqul Hariri hold Saudi citizenship and had long been identified as companions of the Saudi kingdom.
Interestingly Lebanon which holds a Shia majority was ruled by Hariri's family who are Sunni, and which was achieved through Saudi backing. Recently the Gulf controlling nation had arranged for a USD 1 billion of arms deal to Lebanon.
On the other hand, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has met with dignitaries of United Arab Emirates (UAE) the second power-player in Gulf states. Emrates, which usually acts as the de-facto second in command of the region has backed Saudi initiative against Yemen's Houthi rebels. In an obvious chain of events, Yemen's leader Abdu Rabb Mansoor and several elite members of the government have been reprimanded of their responsibilities and kept in detention at Saudi over conflict with UAE.
The Gulf peninsula is currently tossed into a political conundrum amid Crown Prince Salman's ruthless decision to detain several members of royal families over corruption allegations. However several analysts and foreign relations experts suspect of conspiracy in order to practice superiority.
The seemingly abrupt revolution to Saudi Arabia is entertained by backers of the nation, including the West and would be discussing the changes with them.
