One reason is that austerity on an almost Greek scale will be difficult and unpopular (though
the examples of Syria and Libya are a deterrent against outright rebellion—see page 41). The
state has provided generously partly to make up for the lack of political rights. Yet the royal
family is reluctant to open the pressure valves that might make cuts more palatable. For all
its economic urgency, the new regime shows no interest in political reform. Recent elections
in which women were allowed to vote and to stand for (largely powerless) municipal councils
were the idea of the late king. Nor is there a sign that the religious absolutism Saudi Arabia
shares with its enemy, Islamic State, will soften. Even before the latest round, executions were
at a 20year
high. Prince Muhammad waxes lyrical about the new generation. But he has
little appetite to take on the conservative clergy over, say, the ban on women driving.