Article

2005-02-09 Arabia

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Posted by Fred 2005-02-09 12:06:57 AM|| || Front Page|| [6 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I'm not sure either, but I have two minor observations:

1) Fahd didn't do diddley-squat, except drool, I'd wager. CP Abdullah made these moves, IMHO.

2) An Al Rashid was canned. That's a surprise of the first order - the Al Rashid Clan has mucho beaucoup wasta, as non-Royal clans go. Maybe this means that they are allied to the Sudairi Clan, and Abdullah is replacing Sudairi supporters with Shammar Clan supporters. I dunno, but there is someone I could ask who might know.

CP Abdullah and the Sudairi Seven are all getting along in years, this might be something he's doing for whomever is to follow... removing threats or independent-minded operators and loose cannons, etc. - or just preempting for his own clan to stay in power. Power is the name of the game, not some Western notion of nation or unity or other sentimental drivel, heh.

Posted by .com 2005-02-09 7:25:15 AM|| 2005-02-09 7:25:15 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 Title should read:
King Fahd reshuffles ~~Deck Chairs on Titanic~~ Saudi cabinet

Posted by Spot 2005-02-09 9:19:28 AM|| 2005-02-09 9:19:28 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 .com, what is "Wasta?"

Posted by Seafarious 2005-02-09 11:16:10 AM|| 2005-02-09 11:16:10 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 .com, I agree. Note that it was the Education Minister. All in all, a minor reshuffle with some reform potential. Now if only Nayef would have a terrible auto accident.

Posted by Chuck Simmins 2005-02-09 11:56:29 AM|| [http://blog.simmins.org] 2005-02-09 11:56:29 AM|| Front Page Top

#5 So is it a grievous, humilliating insult to call a Muslim a watchdog?

Posted by 11A5S 2005-02-09 12:17:04 PM|| 2005-02-09 12:17:04 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 I curse your watchdog's moustache!

Posted by Frank G 2005-02-09 12:26:24 PM|| 2005-02-09 12:26:24 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 Sea - Wasta is Saudi-style influence, power, connections, stroke, etc. Being from a connected clan, i.e. allied to a Royal or where a clan head is a protÃ©gÃ© of a Royal. Instant protection, preference, fawning, immunity from grief, and power. Business opportunities magically appear, special deals are suddenly offered, the whole shebang of being somebody as we know it - only on steroids, heh.

Posted by .com 2005-02-09 7:02:48 PM|| 2005-02-09 7:02:48 PM|| Front Page Top

23:48 .com
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