This is an MBS appreciation post.
I donโt think he gets anywhere near enough credit for what heโs doing for the Muslim world.
In Sudan, heโs fighting against the genocidal RSF militia.
In Yemen, heโs backing the Yemeni government against the khat munching rogue Houthi militia.
In Syria, heโs investing billions into its reconstruction and is the main backer of the vision to turn the country into a major trade and connectivity hub.
In Lebanon, heโs the main backer of the Lebanese government, both economically and diplomatically.
In Palestine, heโs helped secure Trumpโs backing for the Gaza peace plan and is set to invest billions in Gazaโs reconstruction and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
He successfully lobbied France, Britain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino to recognise Palestinian statehood, with Belgium also committing to recognition.
In Pakistan, heโs repeatedly stepped in with billions in financial assistance to help prevent an economic collapse.
In Somalia, heโs supporting Somaliaโs unity and working to block any recognition of breakaway regions like Somaliland.
And in Saudi Arabia, heโs grown the sovereign wealth fund from $150 billion to 1 trillion and doubled the countryโs GDP since taking power.
All of this while confronting Iranian and Israeli expansionism across the region, and while being called a traitor and a sellout.
If youโve been conditioned to hate this man, ask yourself how much of that hatred comes from what you actually know and how much comes from what youโve been fed.
Because whatever you think of him, you should be hoping and praying that he succeeds in what heโs trying to achieve. If his vision succeeds, the entire Muslim world stands to benefit.
Dear @ALAHLI_FC fans,
As you already know, my time at the club has come to an end, but I didnโt want to leave without expressing my respect and gratitude to all of you. This has been a special chapter in my career and my life. Iโve met incredible people who are helping shape the future of football in Saudi Arabia. Iโm proud to have worn these colours and shared the joy of winning trophies together. It was an honour to represent this club. To the board, the coaching staff, everyone working behind the scenes and all my teammates โ thank you for everything. Thank you for your support every single day. I hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did. Until next time ๐
Riyad