Saudhouse.com is back online

After many months of absence and soul searching, Saudhouse.com is back online and this time it is back until a new government and a new constitution adorn our country.

Why the absence?

In late 1998, the Committee Against Corruption in Saudi Arabia (CACSA) made a decision to freeze its criticism of Saudi Arabia and in particular the al-Sauds giving Prince Abdullah the chance to restrain a runaway family, rekindle his popularity, and stamp his form of government unto a regime that has expired. Although, we have seen many changes happen in the last two years, none are enough to create a long lasting effect onto our society. More cosmetic in principle than hardcore, most of the changes happened because of oil price depressions (i.e. privatization, investments in the oil sector, etc..). The people want to see changes in the laws that affect their daily lives and give them more control over the affairs of the government. The latest spate of news coming out of Saudi Arabia all relate to changing laws that would allow foreign companies to invest in Saudi Arabia, which would rather strengthen the hands of al-Saud and give them more grip.

What do we expect?

As Saudi Arabia becomes more and more dependent upon oil prices and/or foreign investment (if not planned properly may end up costing us our precious resources), the effects of these changes are likely to benefit the elitist al-Saud in the short or long haul. None of the changes that are taking place address the real problems of Saudi Arabia such as transparency and conflicts of interests. The problem lies in a behavioral pattern of old men, such as Prince Sultan, who believe that the government is an agent to serve him and his brothers and that the people exist solely to support him.

CACSA expects the NEW government of Saudi Arabia to address fundamental changes such as a new constitution, a quasi-people-elected royal family members able to govern, true anti-corruption laws that include separation of business and public service, dissolution of royal status commensurate with a name, strong laws to build our middle class, and new taxes and levies that truly help the government help its people.