Saudi Arabia's Succession Labyrinth

Saudi King Abdullah is in the United States after having successfully undergone treatment for complications from a blood clot. With the prospect of succession looming — Crown Prince Sultan has been ill with cancer for many years, and both leaders are in their 80s — a shift in the kingdom's leadership is likely to take place at a time of tectonic change, both domestically and in the region. While the Saudi monarchy as an institution has been remarkably resilient since the unification of the kingdom in 1927, the challenge posed by the retirement or death of the current top Saudi hierarchy made up mainly of the founder's sons and the ascension of the next generation — which is far larger and less close-knit — will be daunting.