The unfortunate implications of the intervention by Tony Blair, UK prime minister, to halt the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation into allegations of bribery in connection with Saudi Arabian arms contracts have been much discussed. A precedent has been created for giving in to blackmail. British foreign policy has been revealed once more as based on supporting a Middle Eastern dynasty notorious for its disregard of human rights and support for the Wahabi form of Muslim fundamentalism.

Above all, the impression has been gained that the rule of law applies to small fry only. The ground has been cut from under western lectures on the need for sound governing structures in emerging countries.