A powerful young prince in a hurry to transform Saudi Arabia

Istanbul

SAUDI Arabia, one of the most tradition-bound societies on the planet, where family structure and tribal patriarchy differ little from a century ago, is suddenly in a hurry. It has done more in the past week than in most years. Over eight days, it has executed dozens of militants, severed ties with Iran and announced numerous steps for a radical rollback of the state that may include privatising oil giant Saudi Aramco.

The flurry of action, a result of tumbling oil prices, shifting US interests and regional turmoil threatening rulers across the Middle East, appears to be largely the work of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the 30-something son of King Salman, in office less than a year. And while his ambition to modernise has drawn praise, some fear he is in over his head.