Who will lead Saudi Arabia next?

That is the question silently occupying the leaders of world capitals — not to mention the heads of Arab nations in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, 90, is arguably the most powerful monarch in the Middle East, partly because his nation is one of the world’s largest oil exporters. The king also exerts a strong grip over political affairs in the region as well, blocking much of the influence of the radical Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, and Iran.

During Israel’s counter terror Operation Protective Edge against Gaza’s ruling Hamas terrorist organization last summer, King Abdullah aligned with Jordan and Egypt to neutralize the influence of Qatar, Turkey and Iran during Israel’s indirect cease-fire talks with Hamas, brokered by Cairo.

Last Wednesday Abdullah was admitted to the King Abdulaziz Medical Center in Riyadh after suffering breathing difficulties. By Friday, he required temporary assistance of a tube to help him breathe, but his condition has since stabilized, according to the royal court.

Nevertheless, Friday’s procedure increased speculation about who will be next in line for the throne, despite the fact that the monarch’s condition has stabilized.

The king appointed his half-brother, Prince Salman, to be heir apparent in June 2012. But Salman, 78, is reputed to be in poor health.

Last year Abdullah also appointed Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz to be deputy crown prince as well, ensuring an heir already in place to succeed Salman if the need arises.

Mit’ib, youngest son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia who is known as Ibn Saud, is a minister and commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG.) There is speculation by analysts that Abdullah may have arranged with Muqrin to appoint Mit’ib as his crown prince, thus securing the monarchy for the House of Saud.

Spain will crown its new king, Felipe VI, in a quiet but dignified ceremony later today (Thursday).

The new monarch is to be sworn in after his father, Juan Carlos, abdicated earlier this month.

The elder king decided to leave his throne on the heels of a series of scandals that rocked the nation and raised questions about the future of Spanish royalty.

In a surprise announcement, King Carlos of Spain has told his prime minister he is abdicating in favor of his son, Prince Felipe.

The announcement was made Monday by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. “His majesty, King Juan Carlos, has just communicated to me his will to give up the throne,” he said. “I’m convinced this is the best moment for change.”

The 76-year-old Spanish monarch, whose health is failing, has led his people for 40 years from the throne. Rajoy said he is stepping down for personal reasons.