We are going through a major economic transformation that is supported by the people, a transformation that will free us from total dependence on oil… - Jamal Khashoggi

When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I’m from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised?

We are not opposed to our government and care deeply about Saudi Arabia. It is the only home we know or want. Yet we are the enemy.

I always found it ironic when a Saudi official bashes Islamists, given that Saudi Arabia is the mother of all political Islam — and even describes itself as an in its “ Higher Law.” (We avoid the term “constitution” because of its secular interpretation and often say that the Koran is our constitution.)