Saudi Arabia became the third Gulf state in the last few days to recommend that its nationals leave Lebanon.  Previously, Bahrain and Qatar issued similar cautions. Three days ago, Saudi Arabia said Lebanon had "declared war" on the kingdom.  The meaning of this statement was unclear, given that Lebanon and the Saudis do not share a border.  But the Saudis say Hezb'allah, who is running Lebanon, has attacked Saudi interests.  The Saudis may be referring to the forced resignation of Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri, who cited threats against his life by Hezb'allah. Rumors are running wild in Saudi Arabia of a bloodless coup underway that would replace King Salman with his son, Mohammed bin-Salman.  In recent days, the younger Salman has arrested more than 200 high-ranking government officials and clerics, ostensibly on charges of "corruption."  But the arrests could very well be a prelude to a change at the...(Read Full Post)