On Friday, Saudi Arabia state TV announced the death of King Abdullah, Saudi’s monarch since 2005.  (Not to be confused with Jordan’s King Abdullah, who we profiled yesterday.)  Though his brother, Prince Salman, was named immediately as successor, Saudi Arabia may face some significant challenges going forward:

1. Growing tension in further succession to the throne.
2. Keeping the nation stable.
3. Facing the threat of ISIS.

Saudi Arabia was founded in 1926 by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, and he ruled until his death in 1953.  Since then, 6 different sons have succeeded him to the throne, and 79-year-old Salman makes 7.  The problem is that, though King Abdulaziz had dozens of sons, most have died.  Only Salman and one younger brother (in his late 60’s) remain, and all those brothers had many sons of their own.  So, who will become king once all of King Abdulaziz’s sons die?

Not only might there be internal power struggles in the future, but Saudi Arabia faces some internal challenges that must be met with wisdom if Saudi Arabia is to remain stable.  It will be important to maintain capable leadership.  In addition, they do not want to give any indication on the global stage that cracks may be appearing in the monarchy.  So, expect spirited debate as to who in the next generation will take the baton, but don’t expect to hear the debate taking place in public forums.  It will take place in private.

Saudi Arabia has had relatively friendly ties with the US in recent years, primarily because America has pumped billions into the Saudi economy while importing huge amounts of oil.  In addition, Saudi Arabia has sided with the Americans in the fight against al-Qaeda, and has allowed US military bases within its borders.

Those bases of operations certainly give the US a presence in the Middle East (near Iran), but also provides the Saudis with a degree of security as well.  However, the death of King Abdullah and the potential collapse of the Yemani government create a “worst case scenario” according to some American officials, wary that Iranian influence in Yeman will grow even stronger, and the new monarch may not have the power and influence to withstand it.

But, the greatest threat may be from the north.   Notice the proximity of Iran and Iraq to Saudi Arabia.

According to at least one analyst, ISIS may see the transition of leadership as an opportunity to attempt to seize Saudi Arabia.  Despite the current glut of oil reserves, Saudi Arabia continues pumping lots of oil in an attempt to lessen funding to ISIS via illicit oil revenue.  That has not seemed to work, as ISIS has not been significantly fazed by the loss of oil revenue.  Thus, during this time of transition and lesser stability, could ISIS see this as the opportunity to turn on Saudi Arabia?  They are certainly well-funded, and should they redirect forces from Syria and Iraq to the south and awaken cells of jihadists inside Saudi Arabia, ISIS could certainly make a push to seize all or part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Where would that leave Israel and the US?  At that point, only Jordan would stand between Israel’s borders and the militant jihadists of ISIS.  America would have to fend off terrorists in order to stabilize its military bases.  Without strong US military presence in the Gulf area, Iran would be even more emboldened to advance its nuclear capabilities.

All this over one man’s death?  Not necessarily.  But don’t doubt for a moment that these are ideas of radicals who wish to establish a world-wide caliphate by cleansing the globe of infidels.  The things mentioned here may never come to pass….and indeed I pray they don’t.  But eventually God will shake this earth with events like these and much worse.  Scripture tells us that in the last days there will be wars and rumors of wars, that nation will rise up against nation, and all sorts of calamity will happen (Matthew 24).  But hear the words of Jesus in Luke 21:28:

“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!  Happy Lord’s Day!