Saudi Arabia: More Booze, Still No Basic Rights
The story focuses on new alcohol sales in Dhahran and Jeddah, primarily benefiting non-Muslim diplomats and staff from companies like Aramco. This move, hailed as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Vision 2030' reforms, conveniently sidesteps the continued crackdown on dissent, the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, and the lack of fundamental human rights for Saudi citizens. When Jamal
Khashoggi was dismembered in a consulate (in 2018), one might recall the international outrage that quickly evaporated under the weight of oil deals and arms sales. Now, it seems, a new Chardonnay selection helps keep the moral compass spinning. It appears the global press, ever eager for a 'reform' narrative in oil-rich autocracies, is content to uncork the celebratory champagne while
conveniently forgetting the kingdom's less palatable 'curbs,' like the ones on free speech or the public beheading of dissidents. Apparently, the smell of single malt is enough to mask the stench of hypocrisy for certain journalistic noses. How many bottles of premium spirits does it take to make the humanitarian record seem palatable?