The terror attacks on Westerners in Saudi Arabia has highlighted the kingdom's problem with Islamic terrorism. Danny McGrory, left, explains the background and implications of the bombings.

What is the crux of the terror problem for Saudi Arabia's rulers?

Until now the Saudis have refused to admit that it has a problem with Islamic militants sympathetic to al-Qaeda operating in the kingdom.

That denial has meant that these groups have grown unchecked as events outside the kingdom - the war in Iraq - and dissent at home with the ruling Royal Family has grown.

US officials have long suspected that senior figures inside the Saudi regime have given financial and logistical support to al-Qaeda and other similar organisations, to buy them off from launching attacks in the kingdom.

This is a charge the Saudis strongly deny, along with allegations that some disenchanted figures in the regime want to see Islamic radicals overthrow the Royal family.

Who are the groups that attack Westerners?

Saudi government officials were quick this time to link it to al-Qaeda. US investigators at the scene say it bears the hallmarks of bin Laden's organisation, although it is just as likely to be an Islamic group broadly sympathetic to bin Laden's aims. Overthrowing the Saudi royals and forcing US forces to leave the kingdom were his stated aims long before the September 11 attacks.

A Saudi newspaper, al-Majallah, based in London, claims to have received an e-mail from Abu Mohamed al-Ablaj, claiming to be "the co-ordinator of the Mujahidin training centre run by al-Qaeda", saying that they were responsible.

What will the effect be economically and politically?

Many Western companies will reconsider whether it is safe to leave their staff there. Some have already sent home dependents and there are plans to charter aircraft to evacuate all staff in the event of a major attack or if these bombings intensify.

Politically, the Saudis have found themselves having to explain to the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, what they are doing about Islamic extremists inside their borders rather than discuss the plans for post-war Iraq and the Middle East "road map" for peace. The Saudi Government is now under more pressure from Washington than ever before to put its house in order.

What is the attraction of the kingdom for foreign workers?

Money and tax-free incomes. Accommodation and travel is paid for, so it's a chance for people to accumulate savings. Most Westerners live in these heavily fortified compounds where until recently the Saudi authorities turned a blind eye to them having their own bars. These have now been shut down, making life much duller than before.

What is the connection between these bombings and the Britons jailed for earlier attacks?

None, except it strengthens the argument of those who say that the seven Britons still in jail had nothing to do with the bombs which began in November 2000 and which killed two British businessmen.

The Saudis blamed it on a turf war between Western gangs for the lucrative but illicit trade in alcohol, which is banned. Scotland Yard is among those who cast doubt on that claim but the Saudis have refused to drop their claims against the British.

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