There's war still, poverty, unemployment and the never-ending struggle for power in this tribal society.

NPR: Suicides Drive Move to Help Afghan Women

Mr Kechichian stresses the House of Saud's roots in a conservative, Islamic, tribal society but he does not disguise its difficulties.

ECONOMIST: Saudi Arabia's future

It is a defining moment on whether a kinship-based society, dominated by tribal, religious and ethnic loyalty has reached a level of critical mass sufficient for national unity.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

At the end of any conflict, a degree of reconciliation is needed, he said, and it was necessary to bring in the Taliban and all sections of society, such as women and tribal groupings.

BBC: Afghanistan peace deal with Taliban needed, say MPs