Saturday June 18, 2011

I've Been Thinking:

Saudi Arabia has done its best to insulate itself from the political movements and the unrest enveloping most of the Middle East.

The tensions in Saudi Arabia are clannish and tribal - they are also religious with rivalry between Sunni and Shiites. But now something interesting is happening in Saudi Arabia.

Traces of political freedom are emerging and that is a phenomenon worth addressing.

Traditionally, women in Saudi Arabia have very few rights. Yesterday a call went out asking women to take the wheel. Women, who are not permitted to drive, were asked to drive. One twitter report had only woman violating the law and driving before sunrise - a law that is strictly enforced by the very fierce modesty/morality squads.

Saudi Arabia is very much a leader in the Middle East and it is essential that the West understand the real Saudi Arabia. It is an extremely conservative monarchy. It is against all issues of equality. It will act to protect itself.

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