Saudi: the Family in Crisis

Overview

Saudi Arabia's rich and secretive royal family is facing a growing predicament in the aftermath of 9/11, the US-led invasion of Iraq and the recent al-Qaeda bombings across the kingdom. Having fended off the assaults of modernity and democracy for 72 years, the House of Saud is now compelled to walk a perilous tightrope between the introduction of reforms to its citizens, and the continuation of the strict and puritanical religious code. What happens here matters -the holiest Islamic sites are located in this country, and more than a billion Muslims look to the kingdom for spiritual guidance. This World's Simon Reeve is given a rare opportunity to discuss this make-or-break struggle with Saudi citizens, from leading princes to reformers and women. Producer Anthony Makin ; Editor Karen O'Connor