Saudi officials say they are serious about embracing reform and slashing waste. But their plans contain contradictions that have yet to be resolved. How, for instance, can substantial numbers of women join the workforce when they are banned from driving or working alongside men? Will the middle class and the business community still acquiesce in authoritarian rule, even as the welfare state that underpins the social contract between rulers and ruled erodes? How long before Saudis demand to be treated as grown-ups whose opinions are taken into account?
Read Full Article »
