re: #855 windsagio

Don’t hate on Saudi Arabia. In many ways, they have painted themselves into a corner. They would have been able to reform away from a monarchy if they didn’t have oil. The US propped up the royal family to keep the reds out for decades. Many oil-rich small countries have been cursed politically by their easy wealth.

The current royal family is more progressive than the populace, believe it or not. If the (male) public, they would mistreat women and religious dissidents even more. I remember a story (from History Channel Intl.)about how the king wanted to start a national public school system in the 60’s. The public was enraged at the idea of girls attending school. He compromised to keep the peace. Local towns/regions could vote on whether to offer girls separate schools or none at all. Result - some girls got school. That’s what progress has to look like there.

My only Saudi friend’s wife has a college degree.