Sometimes I am too critical of US officials. For example, I have mocked US officials when they referred to "reforms" in Saudi Arabia. But maybe they are right, and I am wrong? Like when the King of Saudi Arabia wanted to appoint a new Amir for Mecca, he used the Weberian standards of merit and efficiency. The fact that Prince Khalid Al-Faysal was appointed had nothing to do with nepotism or favoritism. What do you do when the most qualified people in a country are the male descendants of the polygamous founder, `Abdul `Aziz?