Saudi Arabia’s New King Salman Moves Quickly to Settle Future Succession

The new king of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

THE GUARDIAN: Salman bin Abdulaziz also promises to continue the policies of his predecessors following death of Abdullah after nearly two decades in power

Saudi Arabia’s new king moved swiftly on Friday to name the country’s interior minister as deputy crown prince, making him the second-in-line to the throne, as he promised to continue the policies of his predecessors in a nationally televised speech.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s actions came as the oil-rich, Sunni-ruled kingdom began mourning King Abdullah, who died early on Friday at the age of 90. He had spent nearly two decades in power, though officially became king in 2005. Abdullah was buried following Friday’s afternoon prayer, which was attended by Muslim leaders, Saudi princes, powerful clerics and Arab businessmen. » | Ian Black, Middle East editor, and Associated Press | Friday, January 23, 2015