Generally on the world stage, the Saudis have been reasonable and part of the world community although hiding a lot of things within their own state.
Now emboldened after the Kashoggi affair brought only a mild reaction from most countries and no consequences from Trump’s America - it being the only entity they really fear since they are their most valuable bouncer powerful enough to keep rough neighbours at bay - MBS has thrown all liberal caution to the winds, to terrorize his own people. Arresting moderate clerics who criticize al-Saud rule, being harshly punitive against women protestors and the mainly Eastern Shia population, jailing intellectuals giving even the mildest calls to liberalize guardianship laws, MBS is on a rampage sparing no one, not even those of the members of the royal family he disagrees with. Increasing and manifold forms of torture, long imprisonments, more frequent cutting off heads and even a crucifixion seems to have become his instruments of intimidation. If history teaches anything, he should be wary of attracting the fate of the Shah of Iran who at a crucial moment was abandoned by America to the wrath of his own subjects. MBS’ head should lie uneasy with the weight of the crown of thorns he imposes on the heads of his helpless subjects, but if he is wise enough, he will keep enough funds stashed away for his day of reckoning that will surely come provided he is lucky enough to survive it. Roland. Toronto.
