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The Conversation USA

Saudi reforms are softening Islam's role, but critics warn the kingdom will still take a hard line against dissent

  • Written by Nathan French, Associate Professor of Religion, Miami University
imageSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, pool, File

The crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, or “MBS,” is bringing a new vision of a “moderate, balanced” Saudi Islam by minimizing the role of Saudi religious institutions once seen as critical to the monarchy.

For decades, Saudi kings...

Read more: Saudi reforms are softening Islam's role, but critics warn the kingdom will still take a hard line...

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