Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is plannings to renounce power in favor of his son according to reports. The report by the Institute for Gulf Affairs quoted multiple sources as saying that the ailing 80-year-old monarch has been seeking to transfer power to his son Mohammed, the deputy crown prince and defense minister. His son, who is currently the second in line to the throne is widely believed to be the real ruler. Press TV reports: The sources did not give a specific date for the abdication but said the issue will be concluded within a matter of weeks. According to sources familiar with the matter, the current crown prince Mohammad bin Nayef will also be removed from his positions as the crown prince and the minister of interior. This as the order of succession in Saudi Arabia stipulates that the throne go to bin Nayef, an American favorite, who has been gradually marginalized by his younger cousin and the king’s son, Mohammed. It comes amid reports of a fierce battle going on for power in the kingdom. King Salman named Mohammad as defense minister shortly after ascending to the throne. The current Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi, a technocrat and not a royal by blood, is also [...]