The Economist introduces a unique term: pleasant oppression

"For all the thinness of their democratic veneer, the monarchies of Jordan and Morocco remain pleasant and vibrant places to live."  By sheer coincidence, of course, the two are pro-US clients.  That is not it: look at the characterization of Gulf countries: "wealthy Gulf monarchies such as Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and even Saudi Arabia offer great economic opportunity, though with zero political choice."  Economic opportunities for whom? Everybody?