::Sunday, March 14, 2004::
ABOUT TIME
..Saudi decision to search for more natural gas in partnership with foreign oil companies is a good move from the viewpoint of its domestic politics and policy. The growing unemployment rate of young male Muslims is one of the main reasons terrorism is thriving in the region. Creating transparency in their dealings with investment is the challenge for the government in order to dispel public charges of corruption inside the bureaucracy. Growth economically is not enough, however. The Saudis need to open up its culture further and allow greater freedom and democracy in a way acceptable to their values and tradition. Terrorism will not disappear overnight just by creating wealth for the masses but it's a good and necessary step.
