THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

The periodic rumours of internal trouble in Saudi Arabia are hardy perennials in the foreign press and any travellers tale which hints of the impending coup d'etat is eagerly and extensively publicised. Usually, the regime in the kingdom impassively ignores such reports, preferring, it would seem, to let the lack of event provide the answers. The intense interest displayed by the outside world in the stability of Saudi Arabia is, if nothing else, a flattering recognition of the international importance the country now has.