RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi King Salman appointed a new heir and made his young son second in line to rule on Wednesday, a major shift in power within the ultra conservative Saudi elite at a time of almost unprecedented regional turmoil.
By making Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, crown prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman, 30, deputy crown prince, King Salman has effectively decided the line of succession for decades to come in the world's top oil exporter.
The reshuffle also cements relations with the United States.
Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who replaces Prince Muqrin, the successor chosen by the late King Abdullah before his death in January, enjoys closer personal ties with U.S. officials than almost any other senior royal, diplomats have said.
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http://report24.co.uk/article/171408/saudi-king-resets-succession-to-cope-with-turbulent-timesBolding mine and is key here. Nearly all business and politics in Arabic countries is personal, not impersonal.
