Saudi Crown Prince Tells Investors He's Taking On Extremists

Saudi Crown Prince Tells Investors He's Taking On Extremists

By Donna Abu-Nasr and Vivian Nereim
October 24, 2017, 7:51 PM GMT+5:30
October 25, 2017, 1:08 PM GMT+5:30
Mohammed bin Salman vows to return country to ‘moderate’ Islam
Comments follow announced reforms in women’s rights, oil
Barrack: Saudi Crown Prince Is Amazing Young Man
It was a comment that stunned the people in the room.

At an event Tuesday in Riyadh meant to highlight the kingdom’s influence in the business world, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia was returning to “moderate” Islam and intended to “eradicate” extremism.

Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Oct. 24.Photographer: Fayez Nureldine/AFP via Getty Images
This in a country that was founded on an austere form of Islam and has been defined by it for decades. The remarks seemed aimed at religious ultra-conservatives who have been tolerated by the ruling Al Saud family in exchange for their support.