Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Muhammad bin Nayef

Muhammad bin Nayef Al Saud (born 30 August 1959) is a member of the Saudi royal family who served as and Minister of the Interior of from 2015 to 2017. Educated in the United States at and trained in counter-terrorism by the FBI and , he rose through the ranks of the Ministry of Interior, becoming assistant minister in 1999 and full minister in 2012. As head of Saudi counter-terrorism efforts, bin Nayef orchestrated the campaign that dismantled al-Qaeda's network in the kingdom following attacks in 2003, implementing a rehabilitation program for extremists with low recidivism rates and foiling international plots, such as the 2010 cargo plane bomb attempt. His close collaboration with U.S. intelligence earned him recognition, including the CIA's George Tenet Medal in 2017 for distinguished counter-terrorism partnership. He survived an assassination attempt by al-Qaeda in 2009. In June 2017, King Salman removed bin Nayef as without public explanation, elevating to the position; bin Nayef was stripped of his role and placed under effective . He was arrested in March 2020 on charges and has remained in detention, reportedly denied access to lawyers and medical care.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born on August 30, 1959, in , , to Al Saud and his wife, Jawhara bint Abdulaziz bin Musaed Al Jiluwi. His father, Nayef, served as governor of from 1953 to 1975 before becoming Minister of the Interior, and was a son of King , the founder of the Kingdom of in 1932. Nayef belonged to the , a powerful alliance of seven full brothers born to King and his favored wife, Hassa bint Ahmad Al Sudairi, which exerted significant influence over Saudi governance for decades. As the second-eldest son among ten children of Nayef and Jawhara—including siblings such as Saud bin Nayef, Nawwaf bin Nayef, and others—Muhammad grew up within the extended , a sprawling royal family descending from Muhammad bin Saud, the 18th-century ancestor who allied with to establish the . His paternal grandfather, Abdulaziz, had fathered at least 45 sons from multiple wives, creating a lineage structured around for succession, though this system later faced challenges from generational shifts. The family's prominence positioned Muhammad in an environment of political grooming from youth, amid Saudi Arabia's post-1938 that transformed the kingdom from tribal confederation to centralized monarchy. Details of Muhammad's childhood remain limited due to the opacity of Saudi royal privacy, but it occurred during King Faisal's reign (1964–1975), a era of modernization including expanded education and infrastructure funded by petroleum revenues exceeding $20 billion annually by the early 1970s. Nayef's role as Riyadh governor exposed the family to administrative duties in the capital, contrasting with Jeddah's commercial hub where Muhammad was born, reflecting the kingdom's regional divides between Najd heartland conservatism and Hejaz cosmopolitanism.

Formal Education and Early Influences

Muhammad bin Nayef began his formal education at the Model Capital Institute in Riyadh. In the late 1970s, he pursued studies in the United States, enrolling at Portland State University from 1977 to 1980, where he accumulated 83 credits in social science courses but did not earn a degree. He also took classes at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, though the institution confirmed he did not graduate or receive a bachelor's degree there, contrary to statements from the Saudi Embassy claiming a 1981 BA in political science from the college. Official Saudi sources maintain he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1981 while studying in the U.S., without specifying the granting institution. Early influences on bin Nayef stemmed primarily from his family position as the eldest son of , a senior prince and long-serving focused on , which exposed him to and from a young age. Born in 1959 into the House of Saud's Sudairi branch, his upbringing amid the kingdom's royal dynamics and his father's emphasis on combating dissent likely oriented him toward security-oriented political studies during his U.S. tenure. Following his academic pursuits, bin Nayef underwent specialized training in and security from 1985 to 1988 through courses offered by the FBI, marking an early pivot influenced by emerging regional threats and his lineage's security legacy. This foundation, blending Western academic exposure with familial imperatives for regime stability, shaped his subsequent career trajectory in Saudi interior affairs.

Security Career

Initial Roles in the Ministry of Interior

In May 1999, Muhammad bin Nayef was appointed Assistant Minister for Security Affairs in Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, marking his entry into official government service after a background in business. This position placed him directly under his father, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister at the time, where he focused on internal security coordination and intelligence matters. As Assistant Minister, bin Nayef oversaw the development of Saudi Arabia's counter-terrorism strategies, including the establishment of specialized units to monitor and disrupt militant networks within the kingdom. His early tenure involved enhancing cooperation with international partners, particularly the , on intelligence sharing to preempt threats from groups like , though major operational escalations occurred after the 2003 Riyadh bombings. By the mid-2000s, he had assumed a leading role in programs, such as the Mohammed bin Nayef for Counseling and Care for Behavioral Health, aimed at rehabilitating captured extremists through ideological counseling and vocational training, with reported success rates exceeding 80% in preventing based on internal assessments. Bin Nayef's initial contributions emphasized proactive intelligence gathering over reactive policing, integrating forensic capabilities and border security enhancements to address vulnerabilities exposed by rising Islamist militancy in the kingdom during the early 2000s. These efforts laid the groundwork for Saudi Arabia's broader internal security framework, earning him recognition from U.S. officials for his hands-on approach, including personal briefings to American counterparts on threat assessments.

Leadership in Counter-Terrorism

Muhammad bin Nayef emerged as a key figure in 's counter-terrorism efforts following a series of attacks on the kingdom beginning in May 2003, which targeted foreign workers and Saudi security personnel. As Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs, he directed aggressive intelligence operations and security crackdowns that dismantled networks within , leading to the arrest of over 15,000 terrorism suspects and the neutralization of key militant cells by 2006-2007. These measures significantly reduced 's operational capacity in its birthplace, transforming the group from a domestic threat into a more externally focused entity. Under bin Nayef's leadership, Saudi Arabia developed a multifaceted counter-terrorism strategy that combined kinetic operations with ideological countermeasures, including the establishment of deradicalization programs such as the Mohammed bin Naif Counseling and Care Center. This "soft" approach rehabilitated thousands of extremists through counseling, religious reeducation, and social reintegration, achieving recidivism rates estimated below 20% in early assessments, far lower than many global counterparts. Bin Nayef's emphasis on intelligence-driven prevention, informed by his training at the FBI and counter-terrorism courses in the U.S. and U.K., facilitated the disruption of plots both domestically and abroad. His tenure fostered unprecedented U.S.-Saudi intelligence cooperation, with bin Nayef providing critical tips that thwarted multiple attacks on American soil and saved dozens, if not hundreds, of lives. This partnership, built on shared operational data and joint training, earned him recognition as "Washington's favorite Saudi" and the moniker "Prince of Counterterrorism" among U.S. officials. Upon succeeding his father as in 2012, bin Nayef expanded these efforts, overseeing border security enhancements and contributing to the formation of international coalitions against extremism.

Assassination Attempts and Personal Risks

Muhammad bin Nayef, as Saudi Arabia's leading counter-terrorism official, faced direct threats from due to his role in dismantling the group's networks following the 2003 Riyadh bombings and subsequent attacks. His aggressive tactics, including personally interrogating captured militants and offering amnesty programs to encourage defections, exposed him to high personal risks, as he often met informants without full security protocols to build trust. This approach contributed to al-Qaeda's near-decimation in the kingdom by 2007 but made him a prime target, with the group issuing fatwas against him. The most prominent assassination attempt occurred on August 27, 2009, when , an operative, detonated a body-cavity during a meeting with bin Nayef in . , posing as a defecting militant from , had concealed approximately 80-100 grams of PETN explosive sewn into his underwear, designed by bomb-maker ; he triggered the device by phone after gaining bin Nayef's confidence and forgoing a search. Bin Nayef sustained minor injuries to his hand and chest but survived, while al-Asiri was killed instantly; the prince's quick thinking in positioning the bomber at a distance mitigated the blast's impact. This marked the first known attempt to assassinate a royal using an concealed in such a manner, highlighting the group's desperation amid bin Nayef's successes. Bin Nayef's survival of this and reportedly multiple other al-Qaeda plots elevated his stature domestically as a resilient figure in the fight against , though it underscored the ongoing perils of his position. Saudi authorities subsequently intensified operations against 's Arabian Peninsula branch, capturing key figures and disrupting further plots, but bin Nayef's direct involvement continued to place him at risk from retaliatory strikes.

Strategic Views and International Influence

Muhammad bin Nayef adopted a multifaceted counter-terrorism strategy emphasizing intelligence-led operations, aggressive disruption of plots, and rehabilitation efforts to address ideological roots of extremism. As head of Saudi Arabia's counter-terrorism efforts, he directed the response to Al-Qaeda's campaign of attacks starting in May 2003, which targeted foreign workers and Saudi hosts, leading to the decimation of the group's presence in the kingdom by 2006-2007 through targeted arrests and operations. His approach combined hardline security measures with "soft" strategies, including the establishment of the Mohammed bin Nayef Center for Counseling and Care, which focused on deradicalizing detainees through counseling, religious re-education, and social reintegration, achieving notably low rates compared to global benchmarks. Internationally, bin Nayef exerted significant influence through deep intelligence cooperation, particularly with the , where he was regarded as the CIA's closest Saudi ally and a key partner in thwarting global jihadist threats. U.S. officials credited him with overseeing an "incredibly successful" counter-terrorism strategy that saved dozens if not hundreds of American lives by disrupting operations originating from Saudi soil. In 2017, CIA Director awarded him a for his contributions to bilateral security ties, highlighting the "historic and strategic" U.S.-Saudi relationship under his stewardship of interior affairs. This partnership extended to joint efforts against emerging threats like , positioning bin Nayef as a pivotal figure in regional stability amid shared concerns over Iranian influence and sectarian extremism.

Political Rise

Appointment as Deputy Crown Prince

On January 23, 2015, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who had ascended the throne earlier that day following the death of King Abdullah, issued a royal decree appointing Muhammad bin Nayef—then serving as Minister of Interior—as . This placed bin Nayef, aged 55 at the time, second in the line of succession behind , who had been named crown prince just hours earlier. The decree also retained bin Nayef in his role while elevating him to the equivalent rank of second , reflecting the intertwined nature of royal and governmental positions in the Saudi system. The appointment underscored bin Nayef's established reputation in , built through his leadership in countering and other militant groups since becoming assistant in 2005 and full in 2012. Analysts at the time interpreted it as a deliberate signal of continuity and stability amid the rapid , with bin Nayef's pro-Western orientation and track record in intelligence operations positioning him as a pragmatic choice for deterring potential instability from Islamist threats. It also marked an acceleration in the shift from the branch of the Al Saud family—Salman's cohort—to the subsequent generation, bypassing older princes in favor of those with operational experience in governance. Senior royals and officials promptly pledged allegiance to bin Nayef in his new role, with the —comprising 34 princes tasked with approving successions—ratifying the decision without reported dissent, in line with Article 5 of the 1992 of Governance. This formal endorsement helped mitigate concerns over factional rivalries within the extended , which numbers over members, though the opacity of decision-making processes limited public insight into internal deliberations. The move was welcomed by U.S. officials, who viewed bin Nayef as a reliable partner in cooperation, given his prior engagements with American intelligence on disrupting plots targeting the kingdom and Western interests.

Tenure as Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister

![Secretary Kerry meets with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef at the Saudi Ministry of Interior in Riyadh][float-right] Muhammad bin Nayef was elevated to and First on April 29, 2015, by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, following the dismissal of from those positions. He concurrently retained his longstanding role as Minister of Interior, directing Saudi Arabia's domestic security and counter-terrorism operations amid rising threats from groups like the (ISIS). This appointment positioned him as the kingdom's designated , emphasizing continuity in security-focused governance. Throughout his tenure, bin Nayef prioritized intelligence-driven counter-terrorism, overseeing the disruption of networks and the prevention of attacks on Saudi soil and Western interests. His ministry implemented targeted operations that dismantled militant cells, drawing on programs for captured extremists that achieved recidivism rates of approximately 20%, lower than comparable efforts in the . These initiatives built on prior successes against , maintaining Saudi Arabia's role as a key partner in global intelligence sharing. Bin Nayef deepened Saudi-U.S. security cooperation, representing the kingdom at the 2015 summit with President after King Salman opted not to attend. He was regarded by U.S. officials as a reliable interlocutor on counter-terrorism, having previously provided critical intelligence that thwarted plots like the 2010 printer bomb attempt targeting American aircraft. In February 2017, the CIA awarded him the Medal for his contributions to international peace and security, presented by Director .

Ousting and Detention

Removal from Succession in 2017

On June 21, 2017, King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued royal decrees relieving Muhammad bin Nayef of his roles as , first , and of interior, citing the action as serving the "higher interests of the state." The king simultaneously appointed his son, , then aged 31, as the new and first , elevating him to the immediate line of . Muhammad bin Nayef's position as was filled by his nephew, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, a close adviser to . This marked a departure from the prior arrangement, established in 2015, which had positioned Muhammad bin Nayef as the favored due to his seniority and security expertise. The removal consolidated authority within King Salman's direct line, bypassing the Sudairi branch represented by Muhammad bin Nayef, and aligned with Mohammed bin Salman's prior accumulation of de facto power through roles in defense, economy, and . State media reported that Muhammad bin Nayef pledged (allegiance) to Mohammed bin Salman shortly after the decrees, facilitating a smooth transition without overt internal challenge. However, anonymous sources cited by indicated that Muhammad bin Nayef's ousting stemmed partly from his alleged incapacity due to from injuries sustained in prior attempts, which had reportedly impaired his effectiveness. In the immediate aftermath, Muhammad bin Nayef was confined to his palace in along the coast and prohibited from departing , though Saudi officials rejected claims of formal . The move raised concerns among U.S. and allied counterterrorism experts, who viewed Muhammad bin Nayef's deep ties to Western intelligence—forged through decades of collaboration against —as a stabilizing factor now disrupted. No public or charges accompanied the removal, consistent with the monarchy's over succession via royal fiat.

Arrest and Ongoing Detention Since 2020

On March 6, 2020, Saudi authorities arrested Muhammad bin Nayef at his desert retreat outside , along with his uncle and his half-brother Nawwaf bin Nayef, in an operation involving armed men in black uniforms. The detentions were part of a broader sweep targeting senior royals perceived as potential rivals to . Saudi officials cited suspicions of , specifically an alleged plot to overthrow King Salman and , though no formal charges have been publicly filed or trial held. Following the arrest, Muhammad bin Nayef was held incommunicado, with reports indicating , , and physical suspension by his ankles as methods, according to sources briefed on his treatment. Prior to the 2020 arrest, he had been under and a travel ban since his 2017 removal as , limiting his movements to properties outside . Analysts attribute the timing to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to preempt challenges amid King Salman's advancing age and health issues, rather than substantiated coup evidence, viewing it as a continuation of post-2017 purges to centralize power. As of late 2024, Muhammad bin Nayef remains in without access to legal or sightings, prompting calls from Western lawmakers and groups for to clarify his status and ensure , given his prior cooperation with U.S. efforts. No official updates on charges or release have emerged, and Saudi has not addressed his case directly, consistent with opaque handling of intra-royal detentions.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Muhammad bin Nayef Al Saud was born on August 30, 1959, in , as the second eldest son among ten children of Al Saud and Jawhara bint Abdulaziz bin Musaed Al Jiluwi. His father, Nayef, served as Saudi Arabia's Minister of Interior from 1975 to 2012 and briefly as before his death that year, positioning Muhammad within one of the kingdom's most influential branches of the , the Sudairi Seven faction descended from King Abdulaziz through his wife Hassa bint Ahmed Al Sudairi. He is married to Princess Reema bint Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, his first cousin and the daughter of Al Saud, who held positions as Minister of Defense and from 2005 until his death in 2011. The couple has two daughters, Princess Sarah and Princess Lulua. Details on Muhammad bin Nayef's personal relationships remain limited in , reflecting the general maintained by senior royals regarding family matters.

Awards and Honors

In February 2017, Muhammad bin Nayef received the CIA's Medal from Director during Pompeo's first overseas trip, honoring his role in fostering Saudi-U.S. intelligence sharing and disrupting operations. The award, named after the former CIA director, recognized bin Nayef's leadership in Saudi Arabia's domestic campaign against extremism following the 2003-2005 attacks, which included enhanced border security and rehabilitation programs for radicals. In March 2016, bin Nayef was bestowed France's , the nation's highest military and civilian order, by President during an unpublicized segment of his Paris visit, acknowledging his contributions to bilateral security cooperation amid shared concerns over Islamist threats in the region. This decoration, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, is conferred for exceptional service to France or humanity, though details of the specific merits cited remain limited in public records. As a senior royal and long-serving , bin Nayef held inherent entitlements to domestic honors such as ranks within the , Arabia's premier merit order for state service, though no unique conferrals beyond standard princely precedence are documented in available records.

Assessments and Controversies

Achievements in National Security

Muhammad bin Nayef directed Saudi Arabia's counteroffensive against following the May 12, 2003, coordinated car bombings in that targeted Western housing compounds, killing 35 people and injuring over 200. As head of , he spearheaded operations that issued and updated lists of 's most wanted operatives, leading to the elimination of key figures through targeted arrests and killings, which significantly reduced the group's operational capacity within the kingdom by 2006–2007. This effort decimated 's presence in its birthplace, shifting public opinion against jihadist ideology and restoring stability after a wave of attacks between 2003 and 2005. In response to the surge, bin Nayef initiated Saudi Arabia's program in 2004 through the establishment of the Mohammed bin Nayef Center for Counseling and Care, focusing on captured militants via six-week ideological, psychological, and social counseling sessions, followed by family reintegration support. The program expanded to include specialized facilities for returnees and foreign fighters from conflicts in and , achieving rates of 10–20% among participants—lower than comparable figures in Western prisons—and 100% success in targeted regional initiatives like those in and provinces. By 2012, under his oversight as interior minister, five rehabilitation prisons housed approximately 3,500 individuals, contributing to a broader strategy that combined incarceration with reform to undermine recruitment and sustain long-term . Bin Nayef's intelligence apparatus fostered unprecedented cooperation with the , providing actionable tips that thwarted multiple plots, including the 2010 al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula cargo bomb attempt on U.S.-bound flights by sharing package tracking numbers that enabled interceptions in the UK and UAE. In 2012, his network inserted an agent into Yemen-based operations to obtain and smuggle out an advanced clothing bomb prototype for FBI analysis, preventing potential airliner attacks. U.S. intelligence assessments credit these efforts with saving dozens of American lives, culminating in his receipt of the CIA's highest civilian honor in 2017 for collaboration. He personally survived an assassination attempt on August 27, 2009, via a bomber concealed in underwear explosives, underscoring his frontline role in disrupting the group's leadership ambitions.

Criticisms of Security Methods

Human rights organizations criticized the security methods implemented under Muhammad bin Nayef's tenure as Minister of Interior (2012–2017) for relying on practices such as and prolonged to interrogate suspects, often resulting in confessions used in unfair trials. For example, in the lead-up to the January 2, 2016, execution of 47 individuals convicted of -related offenses, documented that many trials depended on statements extracted through beatings, electric shocks, and , without access to legal or evidence review. The UN Committee against , in its April 2016 review of , expressed concern over the Interior Ministry's use of broad laws—enacted in February 2014 under bin Nayef's oversight—that defined "" to include non-violent acts like criticizing the government or monarch, enabling arbitrary detentions of dissidents and religious figures without . In the Eastern Province, where Shia Muslim protests against persisted, security forces directed by the ministry were accused of employing excessive lethal force, including live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators, leading to at least 20 protester deaths between 2011 and 2015 with no subsequent investigations or prosecutions of responsible officers. reported that detainees in ministry-run facilities faced enforced disappearances, with families denied information on locations or charges for months, exacerbating claims of systemic ill-treatment. These practices persisted despite bin Nayef's reported internal efforts to limit of security detainees to prevent further , as noted in contemporaneous analyses, though allegations of ongoing coercion undermined such reforms. Critics, including UN experts, argued that the ministry's emphasis on preemptive arrests—numbering over 2,000 terrorism suspects between 2003 and 2016—prioritized short-term disruption of and networks at the expense of judicial safeguards, potentially fueling grievances among affected communities like Saudi Shia. U.S. State Department reports from the period corroborated patterns of in pretrial detention centers under Interior Ministry control, including fingernail pulling and , though Saudi officials denied systematic abuse and attributed confessions to voluntary cooperation. While bin Nayef's methods contributed to a decline in domestic attacks, with no major incidents post-2006 until his 2009 assassination attempt, advocates contended they violated international standards like the UN Against , to which acceded in 1997, by conflating security imperatives with unchecked repression.

Legacy in Saudi and International Contexts

![Secretary Kerry with Mohammed bin Nayef](./assets/Secretary_Kerry_Sits_Across_from_Crown_Prince_Mohammed_bin_Nayef_at_the_Saudi_Ministry_of_Interior_in_Riyadh_(17209481559) Muhammad bin Nayef's legacy in is defined by his instrumental role in combating , particularly through intelligence-driven operations that dismantled Al-Qaeda's network following a wave of bombings from 2003 to 2006. As Minister of Interior, he oversaw the decimation of Al-Qaeda's presence in the kingdom by 2006–2007, implementing strategies that included aggressive and the establishment of rehabilitation programs for deradicalized militants, which contributed to a sustained reduction in terrorist incidents. His ousting in June 2017, however, led to a restructuring of security institutions, with key powers from the transferred to new bodies under , raising questions about the preservation of specialized expertise. Despite his subsequent since March 2020, bin Nayef's foundational contributions to remain acknowledged by analysts as a stabilizing force against jihadist threats during a critical period. Internationally, bin Nayef earned recognition as a leading figure in cooperation, particularly with the , where his intelligence sharing disrupted multiple plots and saved numerous lives, including Americans. He received the CIA's Medal in February 2017 for these efforts, underscoring his status as Washington's preferred Saudi interlocutor on security matters. His removal prompted concerns among U.S. officials about potential disruptions in bilateral intelligence ties and the loss of a proven ally against global .

References

  1. [1]
    Profile: Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - Al Arabiya
    Jan 27, 2015 · Prince Mohammed was born in Jeddah on Aug. 30, 1959, a son of the late Crown Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who served as deputy prime ...
  2. [2]
    The prince of counterterrorism: The story of Washington's favorite ...
    Sep 29, 2015 · Muhammad bin Nayef, 56, the new crown prince and heir. MBN, as he is known, will be the first of his generation to rule the kingdom.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  3. [3]
    Bin Nayef receives CIA award for 'counter-terrorism' - Al Jazeera
    Feb 12, 2017 · Mike Pompeo gives Saudi Crown Prince Muhammed bin Nayef the George Tenet award for his 'counter-terrorism' work.
  4. [4]
    The case of Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Nayef | Brookings
    Feb 12, 2021 · The international community should now take up another cause and demand the release from prison of former Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif
    He began his education at the Model Capital Institute in Riyadh, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1981 from the United States.Missing: early | Show results with:early
  6. [6]
    Muhammad bin Nayef Al Saud Biography - The Famous People
    Muhammad bin Nayef Al Saud was born on 30 August 1959 in Jeddah. His father, Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, was the 23rd and a favorite son of Saudi Arabia's ...
  7. [7]
    Saudi Royal Family Tree – House of Saud
    Nayef was one of the so-called “Sudairi seven,” a powerful group of seven princes born to Ibn Saud's favorite wife, Hassa bint Ahmad al-Sudairi. In 1975, he was ...
  8. [8]
    Muhammad bin Nayef al Saud - Saudi Royal Family Website
    Muhammad, one of ten children of Prince Nayef and Jawhara bint Abdulaziz bin Musaed Al Jiluwi, born second eldest son behind Prince Saud in August 30, 1959 is ...
  9. [9]
    Saudi royal who attended college in Portland elevated to crown prince
    Apr 29, 2015 · Prince Mohammed attended PSU from 1977 to 1980, earning 83 credits in various social science courses, according to PSU Registrar Cindy Baccar. ...Missing: early life
  10. [10]
    Profile: Former Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef - Al Jazeera
    Mar 7, 2020 · He attended school in the United States, taking classes at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. In the late 1980s, Mohammed bin Nayef ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
  11. [11]
    Oregon college: Saudi royal did not receive degree there | AP News
    Jan 30, 2015 · After the announcement, the Saudi Embassy said that Mohammed had received a bachelor's degree from Lewis & Clark College in 1981. The college ...Missing: Muhammad | Show results with:Muhammad
  12. [12]
    So This Saudi Prince Didn't Actually Graduate From Lewis & Clark
    Jan 30, 2015 · The Saudi Embassy said this month that Prince Mohammed bin Nayef graduated from Lewis & Clark College in 1981, the Associated Press reports.Missing: formal education
  13. [13]
    Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz - GlobalSecurity.org
    Jun 22, 2017 · The Saudi Embassy said this month that Prince Mohammed bin Nayef graduated from Lewis & Clark College in 1981. The college said in a ...Missing: Muhammad life
  14. [14]
    Mohammed bin Nayef: the first of a new generation | Middle East Eye
    Feb 13, 2015 · After earning a degree in political science in the US in 1981, Bin Nayef attended security courses run by the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( ...Missing: formal | Show results with:formal
  15. [15]
    Saudi Arabia names Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as interior minister
    Nov 5, 2012 · Saudi Arabia appointed Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as Interior Minister on Monday, relieving his uncle Prince Ahmed of the job only ...
  16. [16]
    Saudi Arabia names new interior minister | Human Rights News
    Nov 5, 2012 · The new minister, who had served as assistant minister for security affairs since 1999, effectively led the kingdom's crackdown on Al Qaeda ...Missing: initial | Show results with:initial
  17. [17]
    Saudi king names al Qaeda arch foe as interior minister - World ...
    The new minister, who had served as assistant minister for security affairs since 1999, has effectively led the kingdom's crackdown on al Qaeda, following a ...
  18. [18]
    Saudi Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs Concludes ...
    May 12, 2010 · WASHINGTON, May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saudi Arabia's Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs Prince Muhammad bin Nayef ...
  19. [19]
    Profile: Saudi Arabia's 'prince of counter-terrorism' Mohammed bin ...
    Jun 22, 2017 · More than 15,000 terror suspects have also been detained in the years since al Qaeda's campaign. In 2017, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was also ...Missing: Muhammad | Show results with:Muhammad<|separator|>
  20. [20]
    The Prince of Counterterrorism: Muhammad bin Nayef - YouTube
    Nov 6, 2015 · Muhammad bin Naf led the Counterattack and by the time he was finished in 2006 and 2007 al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia had been decimated.Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  21. [21]
    [PDF] Deradicalization Programs in Saudi Arabia: A Case Study
    15 Hallaq, Wael B., "Fatwa". 16 K. Leary, “Engaging Extremists,” 115. 17 Ibid 12. 18 C. Boucek, “Saudi Arabia's “Soft” Counterterrorism Strategy ...
  22. [22]
    Why Saudi Arabia's Deradicalization Program is Successful
    Jul 5, 2019 · The Saudi program to counter radicalization and fight terrorism can provide important lessons to the rest of the world, despite suffering from some drawbacks.Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  23. [23]
    Saudi intel chief who saved U.S. lives was detained, allegedly ...
    Jun 30, 2021 · Ex-U.S. spies say Mohammed bin Nayef stopped terror attacks on the U.S. as Saudi intel boss, but he's been held and allegedly mistreated by ...
  24. [24]
    THE U.S.-SAUDI ARABIA COUNTERTERRORISM RELATIONSHIP
    [House Hearing, 114 Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] THE U.S.-SAUDI ARABIA COUNTERTERRORISM RELATIONSHIP ...
  25. [25]
    Al Qaeda Foe Who Survived Suicide Attack Named Top Security ...
    Nov 5, 2012 · The man who has led Saudi Arabia's crackdown on al Qaeda and survived an al Qaeda assassination attempt by a suicide bomber carrying a bomb ...
  26. [26]
    Saudi prince injured in suicide bomb attack - The Guardian
    Aug 28, 2009 · Saudi prince injured in suicide bomb attack ... A suicide bomber blew himself up in an attempt to assassinate a senior prince who has been largely ...
  27. [27]
    Saudi assassination 2009 - CAT-UXO
    Abdullah al-Asiri spoke to Muhammad bin Nayef a few days prior to the attempted Saudi Assassination and expressed a desire to surrender himself to the ...
  28. [28]
    Saudi royal survives bomb at palace - CNN.com
    Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, assistant interior minister for security affairs, was lightly injured late Thursday by a suicide bomber carrying a mobile phone ...
  29. [29]
    New Saudi Crown Prince Is Counter-Terror Veteran - ABC News
    Oct 29, 2011 · Saudi Arabia's new crown prince earned the nickname "The Prince of Shadows" during a 36-year counter-terror career in which he thwarted al ...
  30. [30]
    [PDF] Battling Terrorism: Iran's Rouhani vs. Prince Muhammad Bin Nayef ...
    Saudi Arabia's soft strategy to combat extremism and terrorism [under the supervision of Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef] has generated some very promising ...
  31. [31]
    'The Godfather, Saudi-style': inside the palace coup that brought ...
    Nov 29, 2022 · Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Nayef, was all set to assume power. But his ambitious young cousin had a ruthless plan to seize control for himself.
  32. [32]
    Saudi Crown prince says U.S.-Saudi ties strong | Reuters
    Feb 11, 2017 · Saudi Arabia's relations with the United States are "historic and strategic", Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef said on the occasion of the ...
  33. [33]
    ISIS leader Baghdadi vs. Saudi Arabia's Prince of Counterterrorism ...
    Saudi Arabia's Prince of Counterterrorism, Muhammad bin Nayef. Fred ... “The Prince of counter-terrorism: Washington's favorite Saudi, Muhammad bin Nayef ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  34. [34]
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/mohammed-bin-nayef-appointed-deputy-crown-prince-of-saudi-arabia-1422005549
  35. [35]
    Saudi Arabia's King Salman unveils cabinet reshuffle - BBC News
    Jan 30, 2015 · ... the new crown prince. Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, was appointed deputy crown prince, making him second in line to the ...
  36. [36]
    Saudi King Salman appoints Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as new ...
    Apr 28, 2015 · Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday sacked his younger half brother as crown prince and appointed his nephew, Deputy Crown Prince ...Missing: date circumstances
  37. [37]
    Who are Saudi Arabia's new crown princes? | News - Al Jazeera
    Jan 24, 2015 · “As per continuity, it was King Abdullah who appointed Mohammed bin Nayef as minister of interior during his reign. From there, Mohammed ...Missing: Muhammad | Show results with:Muhammad
  38. [38]
    Mohammed bin Nayef: the future king of Saudi Arabia
    Jan 23, 2015 · The new King Salman announced that Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, currently serving as Interior Minister, has been appointed Deputy Crown Prince.Missing: Muhammad | Show results with:Muhammad
  39. [39]
    Mohammed bin Nayef kingpin in new Saudi Arabia: country experts
    Feb 13, 2015 · “The appointment of Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as deputy Crown Prince does mark the true beginning of a generational shift of power within ...Missing: Muhammad | Show results with:Muhammad
  40. [40]
    Saudi source gives more detail on crown prince's dismissal | Reuters
    Jul 21, 2017 · MbN, as he is known, was dismissed by the royal family "in the higher interests of the state" because he was incapacitated by morphine and ...
  41. [41]
    Saudi King Rewrites Succession, Replacing Heir With Son, 31
    Jun 21, 2017 · King Salman's decrees on Wednesday removed Prince Mohammed bin Nayef from the line of succession and his post as interior minister, to which he ...
  42. [42]
    Saudi King's Son Plotted Effort to Oust His Rival - The New York Times
    Jul 18, 2017 · The decision to oust Mohammed bin Nayef and some of his closest colleagues has spread concern among counterterrorism officials in the United ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  43. [43]
    Saudi Arabia relieves crown prince, replaces him with Mohammad ...
    Jun 21, 2017 · Saudi Arabia has relieved Muhammad bin Nayef from his role as crown prince, replacing him with Mohammad bin Salman, according to a royal decree.
  44. [44]
    Saudi king ousts nephew to name son as first in line to throne
    Jun 21, 2017 · Mohammed bin Nayef replaced by Mohammed bin Salman, 31-year-old in charge of economy and war in Yemen.Missing: Muhammad tenure
  45. [45]
    Deposed Saudi Prince Is Said to Be Confined to Palace
    Jun 28, 2017 · The recently deposed crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Nayef, has been barred from leaving the kingdom and confined to his palace in the coastal city ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  46. [46]
    Saudi official denies ousted crown prince under house arrest - CNN
    Jun 29, 2017 · Saudi Arabia has denied a report that former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who was ousted as next in line to the throne last week, is being held under house ...
  47. [47]
    Deposed Saudi crown prince confined to palace - The Guardian
    Jun 29, 2017 · The deposed Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Nayef, has been confined to his palace in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, as his young successor seeks to consolidate ...
  48. [48]
    Saudi Prince Detains Senior Members of Royal Family
    Mar 6, 2020 · A person familiar with his arrest said that on Friday morning armed men in black uniforms and face masks had appeared at Prince Mohammed bin ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  49. [49]
    Saudi Arabia: Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report
    Bin Nayef was detained along with a sibling of King Salman in 2020 on charges of treason over an alleged plot to overthrow both the king and the crown prince.
  50. [50]
    Saudi's Mohammed Bin Nayef Tortured upon Detention in 2020 ...
    Jan 11, 2022 · Mohammed bin Nayef was held in solitary confinement, deprived of sleep and suspended upside down by his ankles, NYT said, according to two people briefed on ...
  51. [51]
    Saudi Arabia detains senior members of its royal family | CNN
    Mar 9, 2020 · Mohammed bin Nayef, or MBN, has been under house arrest since June 2017 when he was forced to hand over the crown prince title to Mohammed bin ...Missing: Muhammad | Show results with:Muhammad
  52. [52]
    Saudi crown prince signals new purge with 'treason' arrests
    Mar 7, 2020 · Since being ousted, Mohammed bin Nayef had been prevented from leaving the kingdom and had spent much of his time at a country property outside ...Missing: detention | Show results with:detention
  53. [53]
    The Man Who Bought The World: Rights Abuses Linked to Saudi ...
    Nov 20, 2024 · Through the PIF, Crown Prince Mohammed has consolidated unprecedented state economic power under his sole decision-making with few, if any, ...
  54. [54]
    Detention of former Saudi crown prince 'risks security of west'
    Dec 16, 2020 · The detention of the former crown prince of Saudi Arabia in breach of international law is weakening the security of both the kingdom and the west.
  55. [55]
    U.S. Honors Saudi Crown Prince for Counterterrorism Efforts
    Feb 11, 2017 · In expressing his appreciation for the honor, Prince Mohammad stressed that the medal is a symbol of the commitment, hard work and policies of ...Missing: Muhammad Nayef decorations
  56. [56]
    CIA awards Saudi crown prince prestigious medal - The New Arab
    Feb 11, 2017 · The CIA honours Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef with its prestigious George Tenet Medal over his efforts in "the fight against terrorism".Missing: Muhammad honors decorations
  57. [57]
    Saudi crown prince awarded France's top legion of honour
    Mar 7, 2016 · ... Nayef bin Abdulaziz has received the Legion of Honour Award, France's highest decoration. While the award was not on the official agenda ...
  58. [58]
    UN Committee against Torture: Review of Saudi Arabia
    Apr 26, 2016 · [7] “Saudi Arabia: Terrorism Law Tramples on Rights,” Human Rights ... Saudi Arabia. Topic. Torture · United Nations · Human Rights Council ...
  59. [59]
    In Saudi Arabia, a softer approach to fighting terror - The World from ...
    Aug 2, 2016 · And although Prince Muhammad is said to have imposed curbs on physical abuse of security detainees so as not to further radicalize them, torture ...
  60. [60]
    Saudi Arabia's king promotes his son—and ousts the best counter ...
    Jun 21, 2017 · Mohammed bin Nayef's sacking has removed key expertise from Saudi Arabia's security services and America's best friend from the line of ...Missing: Naif | Show results with:Naif
  61. [61]
    Saudi king overhauls security services following royal shakeup
    Jul 20, 2017 · The move removes important authorities from the Interior Ministry, which was run by Mohammed bin Nayef, also known as MbN, until last month ...