A MONARCH IN NAME ONLY

DEBILITATED BY A STROKE, KING FAHD MAY SOON LEAVE SAUDI ARABIA FOR SPAIN, PERHAPS NEVER TO RETURN

The end of an era has arrived in Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter and the anchor of the Arab world--although the Saudis themselves will not say it. Since 1982 the country has been ruled by the formidable King Fahd, 75, a reliable friend to the U.S. who could be counted on to maintain stability in his kingdom. But Fahd's health has deteriorated ever since he suffered an embolic stroke last November, and a tug-of-war is already ongoing at the highest levels of the government. Although the King has tried to cling to his throne, senior diplomats in Riyadh expect...

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