One thing leads to another, as is being proven in a most unpleasant and frightening manner in Asia today. In East Asia, the development of nuclear weapons by North Korea is creating much concern. If efforts fail to convince Pyongyang to take steps back, Japan and other nations are already considering their options. In the Middle East, things are even more tense. The new man in charge in Saudi Arabia promised last week that if Iran develops nuclear weapons, Riyadh will follow "as soon as possible".
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was promoted last year, has earned a well-deserved reputation as a reformer. His changes to the kingdom have been as rapid as they are positive. Arguably the best part is that reform has been popular and aroused no religious opposition. Women are driving, and working in offices and labs with men. Saudi Arabia is getting cinemas. And in the theatre, women are now allowed to be actors.
Watching Saudi Arabia begin its necessary process of catching up in terms of gender equality is positive. A massive crackdown on corruption last year started at the very top. Prince Mohammed detained dozens of unusually rich men. It was a luxurious jail but there was only one way out -- a pledge to stop graft, and turn over illicit profits to the state. All the detainees are out, but possibly wiser and more respectful of corruption laws.
