Fawned over by the western media, Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is currently pushing a "reform drive" in Saudi Arabia and a new vision for the country. In the United Kingdom, its hard to turn the television on without hearing how the Prince is allowing "women to drive."
But behind the massive PR and media campaigns, lies a darker reality. The neoliberal reforms taking place in Saudi Arabia are neither democratic, nor sincere. They are about economic power, and ensuring the survival of an authoritarian dyntasy. Genuine advocacy or reform is punished with jail time.
But you wouldn't think it, looking at these pictures. Why are so many of the West's leading stars, meeting with a dangerous autocrat?
