"I have previously written about my frustration at the way Muslims deploy their energies. The silence on human rights abuses - especially of women - is something Muslims, and I include myself here, should be ashamed of. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to give the country its full title, is custodian of the two holy mosques; it is the de facto custodian to the fifth pillar of Islam. Acknowledging the plight of women and criticising the Saudi regime is therefore tantamount to blasphemy." Only partly true: not true that criticizing the Saudi regime is seen as blasphemy. I have not read any Muslim make that argument: not even the fanatically religious groups. Saudis were the first to criticize that horrific regime as soon as it was founded. (thanks Molly)