Riyadh, Nov 27, SPA -- The Washington Times published a commentary on Friday by S. Rob Sobhani, the president of the Caspian Energy Consulting firm, under the title of 'Reformer in the Ruling House of Saud'. He said that King Abdullah is the "first genuine reformer in Saudi Arabia's history." "The first 100 days of King Abdullah's rule has been remarkable because of the alacrity with which he has instituted reform measures. This popular and pious monarch is turning out to be the first genuine reformer in Saudi Arabia's history. Since taking over officially from his brother, the late King Fahd, King Abdullah has embarked on a mission of statecraft designed to transform the institutions and partnerships of Saudi Arabia. Unlike some within the House of Saud, King Abdullah has demonstrated a willingness to address the challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, including: the poison of Islamist extremism; winning back the trust of the faithful; fighting corruption so as to create employment opportunities for the young population; Iran's influence in Shi'a-dominated Iraq; integration of SaudiArabia into the world economy; protection of the world's largest oil reserves from the threat of terrorism; and promoting a new generation of leaders for the 21st century. --More1233 Local Time 0933 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/305805