Ahmed Al Omran, creator of the Saudi Jeans blog, discusses his Guardian article, “Saudi Arabia unrest: a blogger’s view;” the Shiite protesters in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province seeking the release of political prisoners; the negligible protests in Jeddah and Riyadh; the risks of protesting against the government, considering it has been forbidden by religious edict; why the Saudi monarchy is economically unsustainable long-term, yet still largely respected by the people; and how the internet and social networking help spread ideas in societies where the state keeps strict control of information.
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