THE ROYAL FAMILY PURSUES THE ALLEGIANCE AND READINESS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND SECURITY AGENCIES

The Saudi establishment was rattled not only by the September 11 attacks on the United States, but also by the spreading Western analyses that the Kingdom's government was in danger of collapsing. The Saudi government was never at risk, of course. Still, a crisis was afoot--in legitimacy and with the United States. And there was, it seems, a cautious concern that a popular turmoil could after all materialize and threaten the governmental status quo.

Under Abdallah's leadership, there was a flurry of arranged meetings between high-ranking members of the royal family and the commanders of various branches of the armed forces and the numerous security agencies. These publicized meetings, in SPC's assessment, were probably the tip of the iceberg. Abdallah and his people must've done substantial legwork to awaken and secure the allegiance of those upon whom the responsibility would fall to protect the government.

So, for example, in late November, the Crown Prince briefed the highest Saudi officials, and the commanders and high-ranking officers of the armed forces, the National Guard, General Security, Internal Security Forces, the Royal Guard, and other security and intelligence agencies of the Kingdom about developments involving the Kingdom after September 11. The Crown Prince referred to the anti-Saudi campaign abroad. He gave special thanks to the men of the General Investigations, noting the ability of these men to speedily identify the perpetrators of bombings in the Kingdom. The Crown Prince of course would hope that the same agency would be as effective and alert in these trying times.

Also in late November, Prince Sultan bin Abdel Aziz, the Minister of Defense and Air Force, held a breakfast meeting (Iftar) for the highest-ranking officers of the Army, and the national guard, and security forces. As in the meeting held by the Crown Prince, Prince Sultan spoke about the campaign being waged against the Kingdom overseas. Indirectly, he too was assuring himself of the allegiance of those who would count the most in case of a public revolt.

Prince Sultan congratulated the men of the armed forces, General Security, intelligence, and National Guard for their love of and dedication to their country. As if to respond to the campaign abroad against the Kingdom, and send a cordial message to Abdallah, Prince Sultan noted the democratic nature of the Saudi government. Where else but in the Kingdom, he pointed out, would a Crown Prince meet with a citizen from one of the most rural areas of the kingdom, and have dinner with him?

Defending government extended to the mobilization not only of the armed forces and security agencies, but also of the Princes who ruled the various regions of the Kingdom. At a meeting, which took place also in late November, the Crown Prince briefed the Princes on his efforts and on the campaign being waged against the Kingdom overseas.

Was this campaign necessary? It probably was. News overseas of an imminent collapse of the Saudi government could have the result of demoralizing those who are slated to defend it. Too, Abdallah and his people probably saw this crisis as a good time to secure a larger role in Saudi political life.