Life as a Target in a Besieged Kingdom

For Westerners in Saudi Arabia, even going to the mall has become a gamble

Life is getting lonely for Tom Cox. Many of Cox's friends and neighbors in the heavily guarded housing complex where he lives in Riyadh either have left or are thinking of leaving. His boss, a Saudi American, packed up a few months ago after his family was injured in an attack. Other colleagues have taken extended sabbaticals. The cocktail parties that Cox, 73, used to frequent rarely happen anymore. Those Westerners, who, like Cox, choose to stay in Saudi Arabia despite the escalating threats have no illusions about the dangers they now face. "I intend to stay here," Cox insists. "But...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!