KSA is in the middle of a great identity crisis brought about by politics, growing rifts in Islam and a changing global economy. I honestly believe the leadership and the “ruling elite,” if you will understand that, are trying to move toward a place they can defend Islam and serve their own people. I continue to feel a great kinship to the Saudis and it bothers me when people, especially in America, paint them (and all Arabs) with too broad a brush. That’s how the Kingdom shaped me: I understand the difference between empathy and acceptance…the difference between patience and tolerance.