At a Crossroads, Saudi King Tests the Winds of Reform
By Anthony Shadid and Steve Coll — Washington PostRIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Ibrahim bin Abdullah Mubarak is a gruff man. On the phone, the lawyer forgoes florid Arabic salutations for a curt “thank you,” then abruptly hangs up. At 61, he holds papers close to his eyes, his hand trembling. Defending cases in an often arbitrary system of justice has left him weary. But in the ascent of King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia’s sixth monarch, he sees change — vague, perhaps gradual, but nevertheless hopeful.
“Anyone who assumes the throne wants to distinguish his rule,” Mubarak said in a sparse office in downtown Riyadh, with tomes on Islamic jurisprudence, embossed in gold, behind his desk. “The king wants to make his mark.”
On Aug. 8, Abdullah freed three clients Mubarak helped defend — prominent political dissidents jailed last year for signing a petition and holding meetings advocating a constitution for the kingdom. In his office, Mubarak had just listened to Abdullah’s first speech to the nation, a short declaration in which he welcomed advice and promised to “dedicate my time to enhancing the pillars of justice.”
Mubarak narrowed his eyes and nodded his head. “His words tell us what he is planning for his rule,” the lawyer said.
Today’s The Washington Post front-pages a very good article on King Abdullah and his role–and limitations–in producing reforms in Saudi Arabia. The piece explains who Abdullah is; the tensions within the Al-Saud (though I think the writers are still stuck with a Sudairi-clan-holds-the-power meme); and even more importantly, the tensions within Saudi society itself. By focusing on Saudi optimists, the article ends up being optimistic, though not hysterically so. There are many indicators of the direction that Abdullah wants to follow toward reform, but the proof will be in what comes next.
The writers offer a good analysis of what the position of “Second Deputy Prime Minister” means, including what it means to leave the position vacant, as is the case to date. They also provide a good overview of the way tribal affiliation continues to play an important role across the country.
Do read the whole thing, even if it usurps part of the name of this blog!
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August:18:2005 - 11:26
Interesting article. I’ve been reading a few things about the potential for real reforms under King Abdullah, and I always come away wondering if the early signs of reform are real or if he isn’t playing to a western audience. With the continuing influence of Wahhabism, and the influence it holds, how can he make fundamental changes?
August:18:2005 - 13:36
Slowly, and by convincing a sufficient number of Saudis that his way is the right way. He’s been big on economic reform, particularly Saudi membership in the WTO. If he can get that through, then the economic picture should brighten considerably for a large number of young Saudis.
Abdullah isn’t noted for playing to Western audiences. In fact, his Saudi nationalism earned him the reputation of being “anti-American” in the 1980s and 90s. He just wasn’t as gung-ho as some of his half-brothers.