King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia is dead

[Steve_uk]

The Saudi Arabian King Abdullah has died from pneumonia,aged 90. He will be succeeded by his half-brother,Prince Salman. The King was named by Parade magazine as one of the world's worst dictators in 2003. He since introduced more rights for women and increased welfare spending. His net worth was estimated at $21 billion.http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-0...amed-king.html

[Foggy]

I wonder if someone from the United States will attend the funeral?

[Steve_uk]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I wonder if someone from the United States will attend the funeral?

Oh I should think the Western powers will be falling over themselves to fawn over him. Wasn't he a personal friend of the Bush family,as well as riding down the Mall in a gilded carriage with the Queen more times than I care to remember.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Steve_uk

Oh I should think the Western powers will be falling over themselves to fawn over him. Wasn't he a personal friend of the Bush family,as well as riding down the Mall in a gilded carriage with the Queen more times than I care to remember.

Funny how you remember these?

I was thinking more in the line of President Obama (the current President) or someone from the Cabinet!

Wasn't this the Saudi King that President Obama bowed before on a trip to Saudi Arabia?

[Steve_uk]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Funny how you remember these?

I was thinking more in the line of President Obama (the current President) or someone from the Cabinet!

Wasn't this the Saudi King that President Obama bowed before on a trip to Saudi Arabia?

Prince Charles is going(the Queen doesn't fly long haul these days). I can't really take seriously someone who had 11 wives.

[Steve_uk]

Obama is going after all,in place of Joe Biden. Didn't the President turn down a visit to King Harald of Norway whilst collecting his Nobel prize in 2009,before finally agreeing to meet?http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2...t-saudi-arabia

[Furienna]

Originally Posted by Steve_uk

I can't really take seriously someone who had 11 wives.

And that is not even okay according to Islamic law, if I remember correctly. I think it "only" allows a man to have four wives. But I guess a dictator can do as he pleases.