Prince Mohammad bin Salman, commonly known as MBS, deserves credit for initiating reforms to change the socio-economic contours of rigidly structured Saudi Arabia. To sustain the reforms, implement them over a period of time and emerge successful in the end require both domestic and international support.

Put simply, the prince will succeed in his objectives if he makes the entire enterprise look legitimate for his people in the country as well as to foreign allies and friends of the kingdom. It will not be easy as already his opponents at home and abroad accuse him trying to perpetuate his political role in the garb of socio-economic agendas.  

He has a daunting task because the drive is challenging the status quo and in the process is upsetting the old guard which was the chief beneficiary of the prevailing order. Hence, he would have to market his product carefully so that he can win more supporters. 

MBS' first foreign trip since donning the mantle of the Crown Prince by overstepping a powerful kinsman last year should be viewed in this context. During his interactions in Egypt, U.K. and U.S., he has tried to make a case in support of the myriad of measures packaged into his "Vision 2030."

The grandiose plan aims to transform the social, economic and political fabric of the Saudi society, and will go a long way not only to wean the economy from oil addiction but also dismantle extremists' thinking and their infrastructure. 

Such an initiative should have been taken a long time ago but it is never too late if the project succeeds in the end. 

As far as domestic antagonism to his rise is concerned, he has largely muzzled the opposition. The imprisonment of powerful individuals in the name of anti-corruption drive was a masterstroke. 

He also got some money for his economic projects with reportedly over $100 billion recovered from his rich relatives and others who were grilled for having disproportionate wealth. 

Keeping the opposition on a tight leash is not enough for someone who is thinking of becoming ruler of life. One needs international support to earn legitimacy. Countries like Egypt, U.K. and U.S. being close allies of Saudi Arabia can play a crucial role in this respect.

MBS' stay in America was carefully mapped to map out his political and economic agenda. He spent four days in Washington meeting top leadership officials for security and political talks. It should have helped to dovetail the priorities and interests of the two countries. 

Then the Prince left for a multi-city tour which took him to the length and breadth of the Unites States, where he held talks on topics covering energy, investment and entertainment. After all, he is not just changing the economic direction but also trying to revive the cultural scene of pre-1979 which the Prince thinks showcased the real Saudi Arabia. 

Saudi-American ties are pivotal for peace and security in the restive Middle East. President Trump has revived the trust which was fractured to some degree during the tenure of Barack Obama due to his tilt towards the Iranian nuclear deal. 

Trump is almost ready to undo the deal and already ratcheting up pressure on Tehran. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are looking to have a long term and enduring policy agreement to counter Iran and its ideology. 

The Middle East region is already in the grip of bloody wars and looming conflicts. The spillover effects of these disturbances can destabilize even well entrenched rulers. The threat is even greater for places where experiments are being done for political and economic changes.  

So, MBS needs solid backing from Washington to continue playing a decisive role in the region where stakes are very high for all stakeholders. He also needs friends to broaden the reforms in the country, especially those related to the emancipation and empowerment of women. 

It may not prove difficult for the Crown Prince to receive the backing of the U.S. and other nations but lasting legitimacy and the legacy of a ruler stems from the goodwill of his own people. 

To win hearts and minds, he should continue to provide social space to women and other vulnerable groups, broaden cultural outreach programs, provide effective counter-extremism narratives and build an inclusive economic and political system that cares for all.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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