Saudi Arabia’s dueling petitions

Word today of another petition, a traditional protest platform in this country. This one carries more than 100 signatures of academics and activists and businessmen. It may not sound like much, but it stands out in a country that rarely sees dissent. I spoke to one of of the signatories , activist and academic Khalid Al-Dhakil, who said he feels this petition drive differs from those in years gone by because “circumstances are different”.

“Maybe this moment is more opportune”, he said, referring to events in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and Bahrain. Al Dhakil said he also hopes the petition and its timing will resonate with those members of the royal family who he believes support reform. “It may signal to them that they are not alone,” he said.

The petition repeats demands from the past: political reforms with a specific timetable, the immediate release of political prisoners and the lifting of restrictions on freedom of the press and expression. The petitioners also call for a constitutional monarchy, the right to form political parties, greater rights for women, elections, an independent judiciary and an end to corruption.

A wave of such petitions of late are appearing in tandem with a Facebook page calling for a “day of rage” and demanding reforms. It has 12,029 supporters as of now. Some Saudis I have spoken to downplay the impact of the call to the streets, suggesting most Saudis are either not willing, not interested in or are fearful of participating in public demonstrations. Others though, believe the time is right, in spite of the population’s general affection for King Abdullah.

All these developments come just days after the king returned home to Saudi Arabia from medical treatment in the United States bearing gifts. He handed out $37 billion worth of unemployment, housing and education benefits, in a move generally regarded as an attempt to shore up support and head off the kind of discontent being seen in the rest of the region. The King’s return was marked with a special holiday Saturday. Young men raced up and down the boulevards of Riyadh in their cars, flying banners welcoming him home.

The Saudi Gazette reported another man had created a website: mykingabdullah.com, allowing people to sign a petition expressing appreciation. As of this writing, the website says there are just over 12 thousand signatures.