...Crown Prince Abdullah and other reform-minded royals have come to understand the need to build democratic institutions, strengthen women's rights and protect religious freedom. While some of the more liberal clerics could provide help in this endeavor, their cooperation is not necessary. Nor does it seem to be forthcoming, as the bulk of the religious establishment has worked to scale back the myriad proposals for reform in the government. For instance, the Advisory Working Group, which was convened by the crown prince to study the major challenges facing the kingdom, made several important proposals that have yet to be enacted. One of the most striking was the implementation of municipal elections, with full voting rights granted to women.

This idea received broad support in the royal family and among the general population. In a government-commisioned poll of 15,000 Saudis, municipal elections were endorsed in all regions (78.5 percent was the lowest figure in favor). On the more sensitive issue of women's right to vote, only three out of 13 regions were opposed.

But despite this support, opposition from hard-line clerics succeeded in watering down the initiative. They argued that municipal elections, if they were to occur at all, must be rolled out slowly, that not all members should be elected and that women should play no role...