New Look into Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia continues to clash with Yemeni rebels, reportedly capturing 250 on Monday, Martin Sieff has reviewed Robert Lacey’s new book on the Saudi kingdom. “Inside the Kingdom” is touted as an outstanding perspective into the tension within the royal family and with extremists brought out by Lacey’s deep, but critical, ties with the royal family.  His book also looks at the “often petty officiousness” of the religious police in light of rapid modernization and the kingdom’s decision to seek strong allies outside of the West.