Saudi Arabia: King's Health and the New Line of Succession

Update: Since the following analysis was published, Saudi King Abdullah, 88, has appeared on television for the first time since undergoing spinal surgery earlier this month, dispelling widely held rumors that he had been placed on life support following the procedure. The Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television station aired what appeared to be live footage of the king receiving greetings from Saudi officials and drinking coffee.

Saudi King Abdullah has reportedly been placed on life support after having undergone spinal surgery the week of Nov. 18. His death would mark the end of the second generation of Saudi princes. Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz will succeed Abdullah, but the key issue is who will replace Salman as crown prince. The odds are now high that Salman's successor will come from the third generation of princes.