After watching a few Youtube videos of Saudi women driving ( in the desert) last year, one could feel that the rebellion against certain archaic laws ( including not allowing women to drive) is coming out in the open. This week's overhaul of the leadership by King Abdulla is another positive sign in the right direction. King Abdulla is known to be a moderate leader, with a clear vision of integrating the Saudi society with the modern world.
In several discussions that i have had with people who live in Saudi, the resentment comes out quite clearly. The population clearly wants change and with such close contact with the western world, and the internet and proiliferation of technology and travel; the people are demanding more individual freedom and freedom of speech. While the over-all structure of Saudi society will not change overnight, at least the signals coming out now are encouraging. It shows a departure from the old ways and an approach which seems to be challenging the assumptions of certain laws which are restrictive and considered repressive.It must be remembered that King Abdulla also recently organised an inter-faith dialogue, met the Pope and also has been a leading voice in trying to solve the Palestine issue. He is seen as a moderate leader with a broad vision of integrating the best aspects of all cultures and religions.
A TNS survey conducted early last year called 'Shabab tek', sought to unravel what is going on in the minds of young Saudi nationals. This ethnographic study followed the lives of 'future shapers', youth who are likely to influence other youth and set trends. The research threw up some very interesting insights, some of which included the youth's need to express themeselves. The growing use of blogs, mobile devices and other means to connect with others, to rebel if needed and make their voice heard points to this growing trend. Riyadh also has the only graffiti park in Saudi Arabia and this was a point made to illustrate the growing need for youth to express their thoughts and concerns to the establishment and also make their voice heard.
In the latest move, the power of the moral police has been curtailed. This is also a welcome move, considering that even according to strict islamic interpretation, there cannot be force in religion. One cannot be forced to do an act of worship, let alone be punished for it. By reducing the power of the moral police considerably, King Abdulla has done the right thing. Morals cannot be taught by police, at best they can safeguard the rights of people and ensure that the law is not broken.
All of this brings us to the next question : Will Saudi ever become as liberal and free as Dubai ? I dont think that is possible in the near future and highly unlikely that the extent of individual freedom will ever become as much as in the UAE and Dubai in particular. Saudi is Saudi because it houses the holiest sites for Muslims. Mecca and Medina are cities of not only religious and spiritual importance, but are also significant historically. The entire history of early Islam is tied to these cities and the authorities believe that by 'opening' up the country to foreign influences and culture, the very brand of Saudi will be diluted. They are partly right in thinking so. At least from a branding and positioning perspecitive, one can understand that if Saudi becomes a Dubai, then what impact would that have on Islam ?
Saudi Arabia today is in a formidable position, both economically and morally. It has the goodwill of all leading Arab nations ( except Iran) and also USA. It has the moral standing to mediate in disputes, offer solutions to the world's problems and also be a beacon of hope for those financially distressed ( either in terms of Aid to suffering victims or even bailing out firms with its Petro dollars). It is about time that the society reflects this by modifying certain archaic laws and ensuring that freedom and individual liberty are given in areas where there is no conflict and which will ensure that people from the rest of the world feel safe and secure while travelling/ living in KSA.
No comments:
Post a Comment