Saudi King Abdullah has died

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Wow. I never thought his reign would last that (relatively) long, given his age and heath at the time he took the throne.

So now what happens?

The new king is a man named Salman, yet another son of Ibn Saud. The (vast) royal family will elect a new Crown Prince from amongst themselves.

Interestingly, two of Abdullah's Crown Princes predeceased him (Sultan and Nayef).

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I don't celebrate the death of anyone, but this man was evil and the world isn't losing anything by him not being around.

As much as I dislike the Saudi Royal Family, Abdullah was probably the most competent King since Faisal.

He was ill since he took power.

Ah, somehow I didn't realize that. I mean, I'm not totally surprised, but considering how incapacitated Fahd was toward the end of his reign....

That's why Abdullah had been a de facto Regent for ten years (1995-2005) before formally becoming the King, thus making him effectively rule for 20 years.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Flags at half mast in this country today. Disgusting.

Ironically it is forbidden to fly their flag at half mast.

Indeed. That's because Saudi flag contains Shahada.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Comparing U.S. responses to the deaths of Abdullah and Hugo Chavez.

Indeed, it is disgusting that no mention was made of the horrible abuses committed by either dictator.

Yeah seriously. It's disgusting no mention was made of public beheadings, floggings, amputations, total subjugation of women and numerous other horrible abuses under the Chavez regime!