by Thomas W. Lippman It’s too soon to reach a definitive judgment, but the high-level government shakeup, arrests of brand-name personalities, and far-reaching anti-corruption campaign announced over the weekend in Saudi Arabia have the potential to turn the country into… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman So, with its decision to let women drive, is Saudi Arabia finally modernizing its oppressive rules of social behavior and relaxing its tight restrictions on political and social life? Yes and no. Economic necessity and the… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman In this year of historic anniversaries—50 years since the Six-Day War, 100 since the U.S. entered World War I—another is fast approaching. As autumn comes, those who attempt to keep track of events in the Middle… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman The latest shuffling of the royal lineup in Saudi Arabia certainly advances the relentless campaign by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king’s young son, to consolidate power in his own hands. But it… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman The audacious young prince of Saudi Arabia known as MbS owns it all now, for better or worse. As a wisecracking American might say, “Good luck with that.” With his elevation Wednesday to be crown prince,… Continue Reading