Saudi Arabia: Booze for Foreigners, 'Justice' for Citizens?
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) 'Vision 2030' continues its rebranding tour, now reportedly uncorking liquor sales for more expats. This strategic liberalization aims to attract foreign investment and tourism—think Neom, not nuance. But let's not confuse easing up on gin with easing up on dissent. While foreigners might soon enjoy a drink, critics like Loujain al-Hathloul, a women's
rights activist, faced years of imprisonment and alleged torture for advocating for basic rights. The Khashoggi saga, too, remains a testament to the regime's iron grip on 'unapproved' narratives, far from any sip of freedom. So, while Saudi Arabia pivots to become a fun-loving tourist destination for some, the 'ban' on free speech, political dissent, and independent journalism remains rigidly
enforced for its own citizens. One might wonder if the real 'modernization' is a new public relations playbook, not genuine reform. After all, what's a bit of alcohol when you can still get away with dismembering journalists or jailing activists for tweets?