Analysis of "The Liberal Impulse in Saudi Arabia"

In his article, “The Liberal Impulse in Saudi Arabia”, Richard Dekmejian outlines the origins and the journey of the movement called Saudi Liberalism. Also known as the Liberal Trend, this movement brings together people who desire for reform in the monarchial system of Saudi Arabia, such as modernization, human rights, and the people’s ability to participate in the political system to name a few. Although various groups of people held demonstrations in favor of a more liberalized Saudi Arabia, the government sought out to quiet down the movement and to slowly fade it away during the early 90s. However, Dekmejian argues that after the attacks of September 11 in 2001, Saudi Arabia came under a lot scrutiny from the world, and at this time the liberals took advantage of the situation.

Saudi Arabia had overlooked many of the conflicts in its country before 9/11, but was forced to look them in the eye after the events. Crown Prince Abdullah was under a lot of pressure in the public and sought to consider a more reformist idea in his government. Dekmijian describes that Abdullah desired to demonstrate “to a critical world his commitment to greater openness in Saudi society” (404). While Abdullah and the rest of the royal family were struggling to restore their image, the Liberals organized their movement and came up with a specific vision. The Liberals sought after a change in the government that included more justice and decided to base it of off what is said in the Quran. The author explains, “The Vision statement sets a general standard to measure the quality of governance derived from a fundamental principle of Islam” (405). With ideas such as the “shura”, a representative council in which members are elected by the people, Dekmijian stresses that the Liberals outlined a systematic change in the monarchial government that would include more democracy.

In addition, Dekmijian claims that the Liberal movement in here to stay and already the royal family has been taking action to reform in the changing times. The liberal movement doesn’t seek out to completely overthrow the royal family and replace it with an entirely different system of government. They simply want the people’s voice to be heard in the decisions it makes as well as to become more modernized and respect the rights of the citizens. An example of the royal family’s efforts to reform include when “on April 5, 2003, the Prince announced his decision to form two separate human rights organizations, one consisting of government officials and the other comprising citizens outside the regime” (410). The royal family knows that the liberal movement is not going anywhere and therefore is willing to makes changes in order to remain legitimate.

Although the Liberal movement still has much to accomplish, Dekmijian’s statements hold truth that it will remain relevant in the times to come. They organized themselves at a time when they knew the government was vulnerable and now are continuously making the effort to create modifications in their country.