Saudis Look to Change of Direction from King Fahd’s Successor

The question of succession is not expected to cause disruption. The designated heir, Crown Prince Abdullah, has been running the kingdom’s day-to-day affairs since his half-brother’s stroke. But once he is king there may be a sharp change in the style and direction of Saudi policy.

Since King Fahd’s stroke more than nine years ago, Saudi Arabia has been handicapped by a power struggle between the old guard, led by the Defence Minister, Prince Sultan, who would become Crown Prince in any succession, and the reformist wing, led by Prince Abdullah. While any conflict in the world’s biggest oil producer might spark a short-term increase in prices, Abdullah’s ascent to the throne is expected to improve the prospects for greater stability in the Middle East.
The Independent