How and Why the Role of Saudi Princes in the Mecca Stampede was Revealed

It is widely believed that outside media outlets are allowed access in order to influence global public opinion

Shot of crowd at Mina courtesy: thenational.ae

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Lebanese al-Dyar newspaper disclosed information indicating that Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud, the deputy crown prince and defense minister, is directly culpable in Mecca's stampede tragedy.

The pictures that spread in the aftermath of the Thursday Stampede in Mina corroborated reports that the Saudi prince's large entourage caused panic among the pilgrims which led to the unprecedented carnage through decades.

But for many one question comes to mind... Why and how did this information spread so fast despite the fact Saudi officials don't authorize the Arab or Islamic media to cover the Hajj event.

Only western media outlets which accept Riyadh's red lines are allowed to broadcast the annual Islamic ritual. It is widely believed that outside media outlets are allowed access in order to influence global public opinion and eventually control it.

In recent days, the Saudi government could not hide the other catastrophic accidents' death toll, like in in Mecca, where a hotel was enveloped by flames, or the train incident or the landslide that killed many Pilgrims.

This tragedy happened under the watch of Muhammad bin Nayef — the Saudi heir apparent and Mohammad bin Salman's arch rival — who is responsible for supervising this year's Hajj event. Does the reason lie in Saudi officials' calamitous mismanagement, lack of control and proper planning?

It is believed that all of these killings happened due to planned sabotage and intense competition between Mohammad bin Salman and Muhammad bin Nayef.

Why are Mohammad bin Salman's aids happy and exuberant as Muhammad bin Nayef's Hajj management was nothing but a complete fiasco?

Who disclosed the news of the presence of the convoy of Mohammad bin Salman in Mina which prompted the deadly Hajj Stampede?

What is happening in Saudi Arabia? The custodianship of God's sacred sanctuaries have been given to what kind of people? Who is responsible for the security of pilgrims? A personal antagonism or dangerous royal rivalry?

Sources: Lebanese al-Dyar newspaper