The Times podcast: Dance raves in, dissent out as Saudi Arabia’s crown prince dictates new social order
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Something unexpected is going on in traditionally conservative Saudi Arabia.
Over the last few years, the kingdom has been announcing a loosening of social restrictions at a surprising rate. Movie theaters are reopening, new professional opportunities for women are popping up and the country is hosting Western-style music festivals.
It’s all part of a plan by the country’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who says he wants to dramatically transform his country.
Today, how the prince’s push comes with a price: While dancing in Saudi Arabia might be in these days, political dissent is still most definitely out. Read the full transcript here.
Host: Gustavo Arellano
Guests: L.A. Times Middle East bureau chief Nabih Bulos
More reading:
Dancing is in, dissent is out as Saudi Arabia’s crown prince transforms his country
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