Summary for "International: Adapt or Die; Saudi Arabia"

The article “International: Adapt or Die; Saudi Arabia”, featured in The Economist, argues that an increasing number of Saudis desire reform in their country and are continually becoming unhappy with the policies of the Saudi monarchy. For many years the Saudi royal family has had great power in the world because of the empire of oil they hold, but this is not enough since there is trouble brewing in the country itself. The Economist makes the point known that Crown Prince Abdullah, who is currently in charge because King Fahd has become increasingly ill over the past few years, has realized that his country is in plight and is ready to take necessary reform actions in order to save it as well as his family. The article points out that the events of September 11, 2001 and the invasion of Iraq by America have caused unrest in Saudi Arabia; however, bombings have occurred in the country itself my extremists who desire to have a religious republic rather than having a specific royal family in power for many years. As the author says the Saudis want a “quiet life”, yet there is a lot of resentment from the people themselves because of many of the restrictions and policies that are placed upon them. Censorship is heavily practiced by the authorities. For example, newspapers, music in public, and cinemas are a few are of the restricted aspects of society. Women still don’t have many of the same rights as men, since “the religious authorities deem the rightful place for females is home.” The people of the country, especially those that are educated, are becoming unhappy with the fact that Saudi Arabia is kept from enjoying the rights and aspects associated with the modern world, as well as not having say in the government happenings. Because of this unrest, Prince Abdullah is opening up national debates to bring issues, such as giving more power to women, out into the discussion. The article emphasized that he has to try to listen to the views of the people in order to save the royal family and keep the monarchy in place, since opening up and changing issues may seem more important. The author concludes by saying moderate Islamists and secular reformers are ready to work for “greater representation for themselves and greater accountability from the royal rulers.” Whatever the manner of getting there, in order for the Saudi monarchy to survive it has to change and restructure its traditional ways.

Source:

"International: Adapt Or Die; Saudi Arabia;" The Economist Mar 06 2004: 60-44. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 10 Jan. 2012 .