11.   Alarmed at the intrusion of the soldiers, radical Islamic preachers attacked the Saudi ruling family.

12.   But it is its feudal ruling family, not Islamic precept, that bars even the pretense of democracy.

13.   But that protection money has not stemmed a growing domestic restiveness, as many Saudis have become fed up with a sprawling ruling family they believe is insatiably corrupt.

14.   But the Suhartos and the Saudi ruling family still have a common problem.

15.   But the children and grandchildren of Bill France, the Nascar founder, are the ruling family.

16.   During the Persian Gulf war, American troops settled into bases in Saudi Arabia, prompting Saudi dissidents like bin Laden to question the legitimacy of the ruling family.

17.   Experts say that in the long run, the principal goal of the ruling family is to ensure stability to attract foreign investors who can create jobs.

18.   For decades that two-track approach served the ruling family well.

19.   For now, even Hamad has said he intends to continue the practice under which its members have been appointed by the ruling family.

20.   For the Saudi ruling family, the Wahhabis form a vital base of legitimacy, as well as an unpredictable threat.