A few days ago we posted a “Bloggingheads.tv” tele-conversation, or “diavlog” between the New America Foundation’s Robert Wright and journalist Mickey Kaus. Wright reported his observations during a familiarization trip in the Kingdom. [Here] You should take a look at their discusion.
A week after the “diavlog” between Wright (Riyadh) and Kaus (New York) they reconvened to talk about current issues (Barack Obama’s campaign faux pas about guns and religion in Pennsylvania) and, about 16 minutes into the 56 minute conversation, a review of the the “Bob of Arabia” Kingdom tour.
“It’s true that I did make the claim while I was over there that forces had been set in motion .. powerfully bringing modernization and liberalization.. considerable liberalization seemed to be on its way if a backlash from fundamentalist forces can be avoided.. its interests are basically aligned with America’s..”
..since talking with you (in the “diavlog”) I talked with non governmental types.. bloggers, scholars, business people.. ..”I gotta say.. people tried to convince me I drank the Kool-Aid and really the situation is much grimmer.. I’m not retreating very far from my origional position.. there’s some nuance I would add.. ..there’s a tendency that when you issue a positive report about a country like this, in any sense positive .. people come in and say you’re wrong..”
Kaus: “..you’re a pathetic lamb for a junket..”
Take a look.
Recorded: Apr 17, 2008. Run Time: 00:29:38
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