Saudi succession decisions come at crucial time

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The death of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz on Saturday means that — for the second time in less than a year — the key Western ally must pick an heir to the 88-year-old King Abdullah, who has already outlived two designated successors. Nayef, who was named the king-in-waiting in November, had been out of the country since late May, when he went on a trip described as a “personal vacation” that would include medical tests. He travelled abroad frequently in recent years for tests, but authorities have never given details on any ailments.