What Do Saudis Really Want?

What is it exactly that the Saudi people want? This is the question constantly being asked by planners, intellectuals and decision-makers. It remains unanswered in the absence of any reliable bodies to conduct surveys of public opinion and determine general trends among the population. Right now we face a number of issues that should have been addressed only after ascertaining people’s opinions which would enable certain conclusions to be drawn.

Looking first at education as an example: Did the majority of Saudis support the merging of girls’ education into the general education system with all responsibility devolving upon the Ministry of Education? Or did they support two separate departments, one for girls and the other for boys, as was previously the case? How many Saudis support introducing English into the elementary school curriculum?

As for women’s issues, does the majority of Saudis support opening new areas of employment to women? What new areas does the public feel should be open to women? How many Saudis would like to see public event such as academic and scientific conferences and cultural festivals, being open to families and how many would prefer to have separate days for men and women? What about allowing women to drive? What do most Saudis feel about that? And most important of all, what percentage of Saudis support and sympathize with the errant elements that have carried out terrorist attacks in the country?

People in search of answers have not hesitated to raise these and many other questions. In the absence of any way of determining the ideas and opinions of the Saudi population, we find ourselves at the mercy of a vociferous minority whose only qualification is their ability to shout and scream. The silent majority, on the other hand, expresses no ideas or opinions about any issues. For the most part, they are reluctant to speak out lest they attract criticism or be unjustly labeled as supporting groups which they do not. The establishment of some kind of central national body for monitoring public opinion is a pressing necessity. Such a center would provide decision-makers with a clear picture on which to base both decisions or actions. It is extremely important that everyone be allowed the opportunity to express views and opinions.