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[Cleopatra]

This isn't really a 'teaching post' but I suppose we teachers all take an interest in what's going on around us (well, don't we?!)

Some people here - both ex-pats and Saudis - say that KSA has changed so much in the past decade or so, and that a gradual process of "Westernization" is going on, which will be impossible to stop. These people point to the waning powers of the mutta'wain, the legalization of satellite TV and the internet, and to what they see as the general 'opening up' of society.

Others - many of them outside the country - point to the recent bombings, as well as to what they term 'anti-Western' sentiments within the population. They say that the country is reaching crisis point and that something major has got to give, probably pretty soon.


As for me, I'm divided in my opinion. I do think that many - maybe most - Saudis would like to see some changes in the country, even if not 'radical' ones. However, I also think that for every 'liberal' 'Westernized" Saudi there is another quasi mutawwa who wants to isolate KSA more than ever. I also believe that the country has some serious problems which, if they are allowed to go on, could well end up in disaster.

All opinions welcomed!