Saudi Arabia\u2019s King Salman, who took the helm of the world\u2019s last absolute monarchy Friday, faces turbulence at home and abroad but is unlikely to change the course set by his predecessors.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment,\u201d\u009d the king said in his first speech after succeeding his half-brother, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, who died early Friday at the age of 90.<\/p>\n
Salman, 79, was serving as defense minister when Saudi Arabia joined U.S.-led airstrikes against the Islamic State. During his tenure, Saudi forces in the south came under attack by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis, now the dominant military and political force in Yemen, are backed by Saudi Arabia\u2019s main rival and greatest threat in the region \u201d\u201d Iran.<\/p>\n