At the dawn of an era of multi-sourced global energy supplies, amidst simmering domestic grievances and cleavages in regional politics, Saudi Arabia stands firm. Buoyant oil revenues have allowed her to shun troublesome developments at home and play an integral role in the Middle East. However, the re-orientation of Saudi Arabia's development model currently seems insurmountable.

“It is quite common to hear high officials in Washington and elsewhere speak of c hanging the map of the Middle E as t, as if ancient societies and myriad peoples can be shaken up like so many peanuts in a jar”, says Edward Said in Orientalism. T he lates t threats for the region are –no surprise- direc ted agains t Iran and with US elec tions fas t approac hing the various candidates are busy in talking themselves into a possible US -backed Is raeli s trike. In case this psyc hological warfare leads to war, a Global Armageddon Sc enario could be in the offing.