Between ISIS and Iran: Bahrain Tweaks Washington - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
▻http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/between-isis-and-iran-bahrain-tweaks-washington
For now, the prime minister’s age and reported ill health suggest that his reappointment may be a stopgap measure. Despite American officials counseling the king to remove him for decades, Sheikh Khalifa shows no desire to step down, and those close to him portray his possible departure in terms of “apres moi, le deluge.” A quiet campaign of support for him has been growing for several months, with big posters showing his photo and the words “The People. Khalifa bin Salman. The Red Line,” implying that getting rid of him would be a step too far. But if he were to go, several of the royal family members currently serving as deputy prime ministers could potentially replace him:
Crown Prince Salman, who would likely push his reformist agenda amid opposition from the hardliners.
Muhammad bin Mubarak al-Khalifa (age 79), the next most senior deputy prime minister after Salman, who is regarded as a conciliatory figure and was foreign minister for thirty-five years until 2005.
Ali bin Khalifa al-Khalifa, Sheikh Khalifa’s son.
Khalid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa, the favored candidate of the Khawalid hardliners.
