Saudi: A society in turmoil

Security is tight at high-profile locations such as this centre

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents was broadcast on Thursday, 4 December 2003 at 1100 GMT.

The programme was repeated on Monday, 8 December, at 2030 GMT.

Against the backdrop of a devastating terrorist attack, Crossing Continents goes into the homes of ordinary Saudi people and uncovers their hopes and fears as they face an uncertain future.

From the oil rich eastern province, to the fundamentalist heartland of Riyadh and the liberal enclave of Jeddah, the recent bombings have catapulted the Kingdom's competing factions - from liberals to extremists - into challenging the ruling House of Saud.

For the first time, Saudis are prepared to openly criticise the establishment in a society renowned for its ruthless suppression of dissent.

With its popularity waning, unemployment high, open protest growing, and an increased terrorist threat, time is running out for the aging autocrats who run the Kingdom as a family fiefdom.

Bill Law explores the rifts that threaten to tear Saudi society apart and plunge an already insecure region into a new and ever more dangerous instability.

Presenter: Bill Law
Producer: Kirsten Lass
Editors: Hugh Levinson and Sue Ellis