THE Saudi way of life is under threat. On every border of the kingdom, ungrateful subjects have turned against their rulers. A powerful ally and shield for 60 years, America, has forsaken friendship and applauded these uprisings, while the Shia devils of Iran plot intrigue everywhere. Trouble brews in the kingdom, too. King Abdullah is 89 or so and weak with age. Crown Prince Sultan, his anointed successor, is 87 and ailing. The next in line, Prince Nayef, the feared interior minister, is 78 and badly diabetic. The young grow restless and impertinent. Some sign petitions calling for rights and a constitution. Others exchange scurrilous messages by computer and telephone. Even women (see above) show no respect, illegally-and immodestly—driving cars down streets.
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