What the author describes is a good picture of whither Abdulaziz bin Saud's dream or more exactly given duties for his successors. Barring King Faisal, who did take up his role as a Statesman, Saudi Arabia has remained a wealth- consumed plutocracy, good for nothing. As it stands it is heading nicely towards oblivion and while asking her to hurry up a bit on its way, we should wish her well. May be the Muslim world will then breathe a sigh of relief. Osama bin Laden may yet come to gloat.