By The Nexus Gazette.
19th August, 2024.
In a shocking revelation, former Saudi intelligence official Saad al-Jabri has accused Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of forging his father’s signature on a royal decree that authorized Saudi Arabia’s ongoing war against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The explosive claim, made during an interview with the BBC, has sparked renewed debate about the legitimacy of the nearly decade-long conflict that has devastated Yemen and led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Saad al-Jabri, who currently lives in exile in Canada, alleges that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (often referred to as MBS) forged King Salman’s signature on the decree that initiated Saudi Arabia’s military intervention in Yemen in 2015. This accusation adds a new layer of controversy to the already contentious war, which has been widely criticized for its devastating impact on Yemeni civilians.
Al-Jabri, who served as a top aide to former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, has been in a longstanding dispute with the Saudi government. His children remain imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, a situation that he claims is an attempt by the kingdom to force his return. The former official’s allegations suggest that the war’s inception may have been rooted in a deceptive maneuver by the Crown Prince, raising serious questions about the decision-making process behind the conflict.
The Yemen war, which began with promises of a swift victory, has dragged on for nearly a decade. The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and has plunged the nation into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Despite international efforts to broker peace, the war continues with no clear resolution in sight.
Al-Jabri’s claims could potentially alter perceptions of the war’s origins and its subsequent developments. If true, the forgery of the royal decree would not only undermine the legitimacy of the Saudi-led coalition’s actions but also raise concerns about the Crown Prince’s consolidation of power and his approach to governance.
Since ascending to power, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has faced widespread criticism for his aggressive policies and crackdown on dissent. His leadership style, characterized by bold economic reforms under the Vision 2030 initiative and a simultaneous suppression of political opposition, has polarized opinions both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
The war in Yemen has been a focal point of this criticism. Initially framed as a necessary intervention to restore the internationally recognized Yemeni government, the conflict has instead become a quagmire with significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Al-Jabri’s allegations come at a time when Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Yemen is increasingly under scrutiny. The conflict has strained Saudi Arabia’s relations with its allies, drawn condemnation from human rights organizations, and fueled anti-Saudi sentiment across the region.
If proven, the forgery of the royal decree could have far-reaching consequences for the Saudi leadership, potentially leading to increased pressure on the kingdom to withdraw from Yemen and reassess its foreign policy. Furthermore, it could prompt calls for accountability within the Saudi government, particularly regarding the Crown Prince’s role in the decision to go to war.
The international community is likely to watch closely as these allegations unfold, given their potential to impact not only Saudi Arabia’s internal dynamics but also its relations with key allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom. As the situation develops, the legitimacy of the war in Yemen and the broader implications for regional stability will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of global discourse.
Resources:
2.https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-crown-prince-forged-signature-yemen-war-decree-ex-official