The Kingdom's 64th Year

To mark the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 64th National Day on 23 September King Fahd granted an interview to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) in which he pledged to cushion the Saudi people from any economic difficulties and continue to invest in development. His optimistic pledges were no doubt inspired by the recent rally in oil prices but, as even Saudi daily Asharq al Awsat admitted, the Kingdom faces a number of serious challenges in the coming years.