Skip to main content

New Book Portends Crisis, Possible Revolt in Saudi Arabia

Though the Hapsburgs, Romanovs and Pahlavis are gone, the House of Saud survives. But for how long? Bruce Riedel reviews a new book by Karen Elliot House, who presents an ominous picture of a country seething with internal tensions and anger.
Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah (R) prays with Saudi King Faisal (C) and Saudi Prince Sultan in Mecca in this undated handout released to Reuters November 1, 2011. King Faisal was the third King of Saudi Arabia. REUTERS/Saudi Press Agency/Handout (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: ROYALS RELIGION) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an antique, the last absolute monarchy in the world, perhaps the last in human history. The Hapsburgs, Romanovs and Pahlavis are gone but the House of Saud survives. But for how long?

Perhaps the greatest international challenge the next US president could face is a revolution in Saudi Arabia if the royal family’s time runs out.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.