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The death of King Fahd bin Abd al-Aziz marks the end of a very long period of waiting. Suffering from varying degrees of incapacitation since November 1995, Fahd's passing has finally removed the shadow that has hung for a decade over Crown Prince Abdullah's head. The simultaneous announcement of the death of the octogenarian King Fahd and the nomination of his only slightly younger half-brother, Abdullah came hardly as a surprise. Indeed, Abdullah's succession to the throne, and Defence Minister Sultan's promotion to Crown Prince are indications of advanced preparation and a smooth transition. Nor are changes expected in Saudi Arabia's policy as the guarantor of the world's oil supply - though this did not stop the oil price from touching a new record of just over $62 a barrel on the day after the King's demise.
In theory, Saudi Arabia should alter little in terms of either foreign or domestic policy. However, the internal dynamics of royal politics in the Kingdom could mean that significant changes are nevertheless already signalled on the horizon. One can no longer take anything in Saudi Arabia as preordained; The population wants more rights, the oil is running out, terrorism is threatening the government - and the new king is already 81 years old.
Most of the challenges King Abdullah is facing are of an internal nature. Although in theory the Saudi ruler is an autocrat, in practice he governs with the consent of senior members of the House of Saud, by whom he was endorsed...