"His great capabilities entitle him to do hard tasks perfectly." With these words, the Saudi newly-named Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Nayef commended Prince Mohamed Bin Salman who was nominated on early Wednesday as the oil-rich kingdom's deputy crown prince. With Bin Salman's new post as well as responsibilities given to him last March as Saudi Defense Minister, Chief of Royal Protocol and Head of Economic and Developmental Affairs Council, the 30-year old prince has been further brought into spot light. In this way, the young prince is a powerful candidate to occupy the most two prominent posts in the Saudi power pyramid: the crown prince and the future custodian of the two Holy Mosques. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, received his early education at Riyadh Schools, where he ranked among the top 10 students upon graduation. He got his bachelor's degree in law from King Saud University, where he graduated second in his class. The prince also received various training courses during his education. During a 10-year professional career, Bin Salman shouldered myriad of responsibilities as well as philanthropic activities for which he received a number of awards. He began his political career in 2007 as a consultant to the Experts Commission under the Saudi Cabinet. On Dec. 15, 2009, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was appointed special adviser to then Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, who at the time was governor of Riyadh Province. During this period, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was secretary-general of the Riyadh Competitive Council. In March 2013, by royal decree, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was appointed head of the Crown Prince Court with the rank of minister and special advisor to then Prince Salman. On April 25, 2014, he was appointed as a state minister and member of Cabinet. In January, 2015, despite not having a military background, the 30-year old prince was elevated to head the biggest Gulf Armed Forces. "The Saudi military will always be the shield to protect Islam and our territories," bin Salman stated upon receiving the post. After two months in office, the young prince's name was strongly carved into the Saudi corridor of fame with great successes achieved during his country-led Operation Decisive Storm against Yemen's Houthi rebels who posed huge perils for the kingdom's national security. During the fights which commenced on March, 26, 2015, bin Salman showed great capabilities to be praised on the part of Saudi and foreign observers. Western diplomats described the young prince as "powerful and courageous", indicating "he always bears what is important for his country", According to a report by France 24 website. Sources close to Saudi security circles said both of bin Salman and bin Nayef "idealistically led the war in Yemen". This may explains the reasons behind nominating the young man for such a critical position. The CIA former agent, Bros Redel said bin Salman "enjoys much clout in the kingdom". A lot of press reports questioned whether the civilian Defense Minister listens to his military commanders. Saudi military sources, however, told France 24 "the hardworking prince works in harmony with military aides", trying to make use of the opportunities his father gave him.
