the royal family is politically divided by factions based on clan loyalties, personal ambitions and ideological differences. the most powerful clan faction is known as the 'sudairi seven', comprising the late king fahd and his full brothers and their descendants. ideological divisions include issues over the speed and direction of reform, and whether the role of the ulema should be increased or reduced. there were divisions within the family over who should succeed to the throne after the accession or earlier death of prince sultan. when prince sultan died before ascending to the throne on 21 october 2011, king abdullah appointed prince nayef as crown prince. the following year prince nayef also died before ascending to the throne.