A Bombing Shatters the Saudi Art of Denial

Until the recent car bombings in Riyadh linked to Islamic fundamentalist group Al-Qaeda, Saudi Arabia’s rulers, the Al-Sauds, had been able to keep up a pretty good balancing act. It seemed they were able to maintain absolute political control while they negotiated with religious leaders the rights to control over the country's social life. However, alarmed now by the terror at home, Saudi public opinion has changed and many question the overt role of religion in Saudi society. But much depends on the Al-Sauds, who must first accept that religious fundamentalism in their country can have a very dark side. – YaleGlobal