Cambodia has chosen a new king:
For the ailing Sihanouk, King Sihamoni's appointment will bring huge comfort.There's a profound lesson in this story to be learned by rebbes and hasidim alike.The 81-year-old former monarch ruled Cambodia for more than half a century, and had been troubled by the prospect that the Khmer royal line would die with him.
He was also concerned that - even if the monarchy continued - there could well have been a succession battle after his death.
Cambodia's monarchy is hereditary, but any descendent of the past three kings can be chosen, and there were dozens of potential candidates to chose from.
"My abdication allows me to give our country, our nation and our people a serious opportunity to avoid mortal turmoil the day after my death," Sihanouk wrote recently on his website.