The controversial rise of Mohammed bin Salman and its impact on Saudi Arabia.

In the complex web of Saudi power, the rise of Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, has been meteoric and, at the same time, unsettling. Since his father, Salman, ascended to the throne in 2015, the crown prince has left an indelible mark on Saudi Arabia, achieving notable control over the kingdom's affairs despite his youth. At 38 years old, MBS has not only become the face of reforms in the country but also the center of numerous controversies that have tarnished his international reputation. MBS's path to power has been marked by ambition and strategy. In a late-night meeting with senior security official Saad al Jabri, the prince revealed his vision for a modern kingdom, one that moves away from dependence on oil and becomes more inclusive of women in the workforce. However, behind these promises of progress lie dark episodes that have left a trail of blood and suffering, as evidenced by the conflicts in Yemen and the brutal assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The invasion of Yemen, which MBS led shortly after becoming Minister of Defense, marked a drastic turn in his career. The military campaign has not only resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions at risk of famine, but it has also elevated MBS to the status of a national hero in certain sectors of Saudi society. However, the military strategy has been fraught with errors, reflecting his tendency to act impulsively without considering long-term consequences. The accusations against him do not stop there. Saad al Jabri has been an outspoken critic of the prince, accusing him of forging his father's signature to gain legitimacy in decision-making and acting unilaterally on national security issues. His own life has been threatened by MBS's growing power, as the prince has not hesitated to eliminate any adversary in his path toward consolidating power. The assassination of Khashoggi, carried out by a squad linked to MBS, has been one of the most notorious scandals to tarnish his figure. Although the prince has insisted he had no knowledge of the plan, a U.S. intelligence report implicated him as an accomplice. This incident has not only affected his international image but also raised serious doubts about his character and ability to govern responsibly. As MBS advances his modernization agenda, his approach has generated both admiration and fear. His push to transform the kingdom and open it to the Western world has been seen as a necessary step, but it has also brought about an increase in the repression of dissent and human rights. Freedom of expression has been severely restricted, with activists and critics facing imprisonment or the death penalty. On the international stage, MBS has sought to establish closer ties with powers like the United States and even Israel, a strategy that could redefine the geopolitics of the Middle East. However, this rapprochement has also created enemies within his own country and the region, intensifying fears of a possible assassination attempt against him. Despite his youth and the challenges he faces, MBS continues to challenge the norms established by his predecessors. His ambition has led him to make massive investments in sports and culture, including art acquisitions that seem aimed at projecting an image of grandeur and modernity. However, these actions are viewed by many as attempts at "image laundering" in a country still grappling with its complicated human rights history. The figure of MBS is undoubtedly that of a polarizing leader. While some see him as a bold reformer, others consider him a tyrant willing to do anything to maintain his power. His rise has reflected the contradictions facing Saudi Arabia: a country seeking to modernize and open up to the world while dealing with the shadows of its authoritarian past. With his father, King Salman, in fragile health, the future of Saudi Arabia is increasingly in MBS's hands. His ability to navigate the turbulent waters of internal and external politics will determine not only his legacy but also the fate of a kingdom at the crossroads between tradition and modernity. In this context, the crown prince will have to confront not only his adversaries but also his own unchecked ambitions, which could lead him to make fatal mistakes on his path to absolute power.