Saudis release wealthy banker

PALESTINIAN billionaire Sabih al-Masri, Jordan’s most influential businessman, returned to Amman yesterday, a family source said, after his release from detention in Saudi Arabia linked to a crackdown on the rich and powerful there. Masri, chairperson of Ammanbased Arab Bank, Jordan’s largest lender, was detained last week hours before he was planning to leave after chairing meetings of Saudi companies he owns, sources said. “He is at his home now in Amman,” said the family source. – Reuters PHILIPPINES