- Joined
- Jan 25, 2012
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Sorry if I have a different perspective.
I did not suggest that the House of Saud is not dead serious. their "commitment" is completely in keeping with the principles of Islam. Their "practice" is completely in keeping with a totalitarian regime.
To transition to a constitutional monarchy will require some serious enlightenment on the part of both the reigning King AND the Ulema. Sorry if I don't see that as a plausible path.
Wahabbism is not a sect per se, it is a school of Islamic interpretation, an ultra orthodox one that is attempting to spread its interpretation throughout the Muslim world fueled by Saudi wealth. They have a two pronged strategy, building and staffing madrassa's all over the ummah and thru opportunistic militancy.
Sorry if I don't see the revival as anything more than some cosmetic nods to 21st century norms.
Actually I have known three kings and several of the Sudeiri Seven for well over 60 years.. and I have watched there half dozen 5 year plans.
When King Abdullah passes.. I also know CP Salman.. They are a skilled and thoughtful bunch.. Well educated with decades of experience in good governance.. Not totalitarian at all.
They NEVER jam change on the people.. They plant the seeds and wait for a concensus.. as they have done since the introduction of the radio and telephone.
Do you know any real Wahhabis in Arabia?
Sunni Islam is going thru cautious but important reforms... that are possible because of education in Arabia.. KSA is sending 250,000 young Saudis of both sexes for graduate work in Law, Finance, Engineering, Medicine etc... and has decreed that the educational system must move away from rote learning to critical thinking.
They do have the support of the Ulema... That is the whole POINT....
The last time I was in Arabia, I was followed around by several journalists, a film crew, translator and drivers.
A young woman attached herself to me .. and she was an unveiled journalist with no headscarf.... divorced with four children..
We walked together, talked together.. ate with the men.. discussed everything imaginable.