However, they are half measures and have come very late. Some very problematic issues still persist in Saudi society. The country continues to arrest dissidents and it continues to extend prison terms of activists. It has also detained the rich over allegations of corruption. There is also constant tinkering of power structures, arbitrary reshuffling of personnel and lawmakers whom the Crown Prince sees as potential challengers. Political reform remains taboo in Saudi Arabia even as women are now allowed to drive. However, activists continue to languish in Saudi prisons. The country has promised to remove the death penalty but it remains a world leader in capital punishment. The regime has tried to improve societal freedom but it's yet to punish those who made dissidents disappear.
