The Economist: The Calculations of Muhammad bin Salman

Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman proceeds in stifling political dissent in exchange for the loosening of social restrictions. While the holy month of Ramadan had once been a time for pardons and royal amnesties in Saudi Arabia, the tide has turned. Instead, bin Salman adds to the 2,000 or so political prisoners detained since September. Over the past month, 17 activists were arrested: “Nine are women, some of whom campaigned for the right to drive” – this despite the ban on women driving is set to be lifted June 24. Moreover, “his social contract apes that of the United Arab Emirates, which grants subjects social freedoms provided they forgo political ones.” He has taken control over various media outlets and businesses, and clerics have seen their roles and influence diminish considerably. Prince Muhammad has also reconstructed the state security police by staffing Egyptian officers to target political dissidents and activists. Another initiative: seeking the aid of western psy-ops firms like the SCL Group, the parent company of now-defunct Cambridge Analytica “claims to have helped President Trump win election.” –YaleGlobal