Succession in Saudi Arabia FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains a critical country for Western security interests in the Persian Gulf. Washington, for one, has invested much in the Kingdom and, consequently, who governed there (and how that person responded to domestic pressures) was critical. This study assesses the coming leadership changes in the Kingdom. It identifies individuals with the greatest leadership potential; examines their political, social and religious perceptions, including views of the United States; and evaluates the criteria for their survival as a ruling family. In other words, it clarifies for key leaders what the "Will to Power" (the desire to rule irrespective of whether or not a state of legitimacy exists) is. In doing so, the study -- that is based on dozens of interviews -- posits how succession is likely to develop during the next few years under the leadership of the Al Saud.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Kechichian (fellow, Near East Studies, U. of California, Los Angeles) draws on years of experience studying Saudi Arabia to write a very detailed account of the Saudi ruling family, its history, and the possible directions its leadership will take in years to come. The study is based on documentary history as well as dozens of interviews with members of the family, a wide array of Saudi officials, and others. The numerous appendices include a chronology of the family, the mainline of succession and cadet branches, detailed family trees, list of the provincial governors, the makeup of the Cabinet as of June 1999, principle religious figures, the basic law of the government, the Majlis al-Shura law and the law of the provinces. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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