Sir, Changes? Yes. Reforms? Only time will tell. (‘Changing Middle East: Is MBS an ‘Arab Deng Xiaoping’?’ The Muslim News, May 26).
Here we are talking about a region where public opinion means ‘what you are told to think’. Saudi-Iranian relations are on the mend—good news! Syria is back in the Arab fold, which is something to be happy about. Relations with Qatar are improving, which is something to be welcomed.
The Saudi-Qatar standoff caused considerable problems for football fans during the World Cup. The Saudi public has something to be happy about with the changes.
However, it would seem better if public opinion was also gauged and considered. The Shura Council is an appointed body, so it does not represent public opinion as such. A larger, more broad-based organisation or structure is needed to involve public opinion.
The Saudi initiative must be applauded, but more public involvement and representation will help introduce broad-based ‘reforms’ and more of them.
Yours,
Syed Neaz Ahmad
Via Email
