This issue addresses the potentially momentous developments of November, following the king's
fainting spell and back injury early in the month. Reviewing both the king's condition and the make-up of his retinue in New York, we evaluate talk of a possible “Jordanian option” in the wake of his promotion of his son Prince Mitaab b. Abdullah to President of the National Guard. Following the crown prince's simultaneous return to the kingdom, we discuss the extent to which he is really capable of discharging his new duties as “interim regent”, the prospects for a government reshuffle when the king returns, and what all this might mean for the position of Interior Minister Prince Nayef. Amongst other princes in the spotlight, we discuss Deputy Defence Minister Prince Abulrahman b. Abdulaziz's jockeying for position, and former Intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faysal's current role and prospects. In addition to this analysis (3,691 words), the issue comprises an Executive Summary (280 words) and a Saudi Royal Court Gazette (7,498 words) in which we record the reported activity, during the month, of 25 princes. Total number of words for this issue: 11,469.
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