Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Is Rewriting History—But at What Cost?
Let’s talk about Saudi Arabia—because honestly, it’s hard to ignore what’s happening there. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (or MBS, as everyone calls him) isn’t just another politician. He’s the guy steering the ship, pushing big changes with his Vision 2030 plan. Skyscrapers, women driving, concerts—stuff you wouldn’t believe a few years back. But here’s the thing: behind all that shiny progress, there’s a darker side. And it’s messy.
1. MBS’s Big Plans: Modern or Just Flashy?
1.1 Oil? Nah, Let’s Try Something Else
So, Saudi Arabia’s been living off oil money forever. MBS wants to change that—enter NEOM, that futuristic city you’ve probably seen in ads. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the catch: unemployment’s still high, and not everyone’s buying into the hype. It’s like swapping your dad’s old car for a Tesla but forgetting you still need to pay for charging stations.
1.2 Women Driving and Cinemas—Wait, Really?
Yeah, women can drive now. And there are movie theaters. Big deal? For Saudi Arabia, absolutely. But not everyone’s happy. The religious hardliners? They’re grumbling. MBS is walking this tightrope between “let’s join the 21st century” and “don’t piss off the conservatives too much.” Tricky business.
2. The Not-So-Pretty Side of Progress
2.1 Arrests, Surveillance, and That Khashoggi Mess
Here’s where things get ugly. Activists, journalists—anyone who speaks up—gets shut down fast. Remember Jamal Khashoggi? That whole thing was a wake-up call. And it’s not just him. The government’s got eyes everywhere. So much for “reform,” huh?
2.2 Who’s Really Paying the Price?
Migrant workers? Treated like dirt. Shia minorities? Pushed to the margins. And let’s not even talk about the environment—those shiny new projects aren’t exactly eco-friendly. MBS’s vision might look great on paper, but the people at the bottom? They’re getting crushed.
3. Playing Chess on a Global Scale
3.1 Friends, Enemies, and Everyone In Between
MBS is shaking up Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy too. Buddying up with Israel, feuding with Qatar, and that endless war in Yemen—it’s a lot. And don’t think he’s just cozy with the U.S. China and Russia are in the mix too. The guy’s playing all sides, and honestly? It’s kind of terrifying.
3.2 Will This Last? Doubt It.
MBS has all the power now, sure. But stacking the deck like this? It’s risky. Young Saudis might love the changes today, but what happens when the economy stumbles? Or when people get tired of being watched all the time? Something’s gotta give.
4. What’s the World Saying?
4.1 West’s Hypocrisy: Money Over Morals
Western governments? They’ll wag their fingers at MBS but keep selling him weapons. Because oil and arms deals trump human rights every time. Classic.
4.2 Middle East’s Mixed Feelings
Some neighbors love MBS. Others—looking at you, Iran—think he’s trouble. Either way, Saudi Arabia’s calling the shots in the region now. Like it or not.
Final Thoughts
MBS’s Saudi Arabia is a paradox. Glitzy reforms, brutal repression. It’s like watching someone build a mansion on quicksand. Sure, it looks impressive now, but how long before it sinks? The world’s watching, but nobody’s stepping in. And that’s the scary part.
Source: Dow Jones – World News