Saudi Arabia Under the Lash

A genuine reform in Saudi Arabia could have positive results throughout the world, not least in undermining support for the advance of radical Islam in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where Saudi money still supports the jihadist offensive. Yet as long as Saudi Arabia and its people remain under the shadow of the lash, the Wahhabi hierarchy, and its institutions within and astride the state, dreams of progress are destined to end in more pain, tragedy, and the continued dissemination of a hateful ideology. Protection of educated Saudi women from the imposition of the face-veil and the penalty of the lash is promising, but King Abdullah's efforts have been obstructed before. The transformation of Saudi Arabia must push beyond its beginning stages. King Abdullah, tear off those veils!

Stephen Schwartz is a frequent contributor to THE WEEKLY STANDARD.