Prince Nayef’s appointment shows Saudi wisdom in decision-making

Riyadh: The appointment of Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz as his heir is a continuation of the wise policies adopted by the King and his predecessors –King Fahd, Khaled, Faisal and Saud, following in the footsteps of their father and founder of Saudi Arabia King Abdul Aziz.

Speaking to Gulf News, many political commentators said the appointment of Prince Nayef was a calculated decision and well deserved following Nayef's political career in which he handled political, security, media and humanitarian posts in the government.

Describing him as a "statesman", Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Saqar Al Ghamdi, president of Prince Nayef Arab University told Gulf News that Prince Nayef is highly engaged and exposed in the media so there is a high level of transparency in his dealings.

Particularly, Prince Nayef excelled in stamping out terror threats both domestic and internationally. The Saudi model of fighting terror has become an exemplary model to other countries.

"At a time when we mourn the death of a great leader, Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, we are bestowed with an opportunity to thank God for giving us another great leader," Dr. Nayef Al Shahri, Professor of international relations at King Saud University said.

He also pointed out Prince Nayef's role in "ensuring the safety and comfort of millions of Haj and Umrah pilgrims" who visit the Kingdom each year.

Speaking of Saudi Arabia's political leadership since its independence, Hussain Al Adl, Secretary General of Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry told Gulf News that because of excellent leadership "Saudi Arabia has managed to sail its ship in the midst of huge waves in a turbulent sea" referring to the political turmoil in many of its neighboring countries.

"Prince Nayef was instrumental in forging the Kingdom's strong security bonds with other nations in the region and the world," Dr. Sultan Al Thaqfi, a political analyst said.