I've seen other signs too, and while it is good to see Saudis and other Muslims thinking critically about Islam, I suspect that this critical thinking is despite, rather than because of, Islam. And, like all would-be reformers and free-thinkers, he is in danger from his fellow Muslims.

I admire this guy - it's amazing that, despite his upbringing and religion, he can step back and question things - but I'm not optimistic. It's sad to see signs of mental life, knowing that they will probably be snuffed out. A few years ago I read an interview with a Saudi female would-be journalist, obviously intelligent, with a curiosity that most Westerners lack. I'll see if I can dig it out. I wonder what will happen to her.