“If the Saudi royal family is ousted from power, it would be a disaster for us and the region.”
The Saudi royal family has long sold themselves to the West as the only ones who could manage their religious extremists for benefit of the West, while selling themselves domestically as the only true muslims wily enough to hoodwink the infidels into being subverted to eventual islamic rule. They base their right to rule on their upholding the harsh wahabbi interpretation of islam.
Do have any thoughts on what might make the Saudi royal family truly put an end to covertly exporting their islamist revolution, if they are to remain in power?
What is the alternative to regime change, which could end Saudi support of terrorists, extremist missionary activity, and subversion of other societies?
Wrong on all accounts. The Saudis aren't selling anything except oil. The "West" has never asked the Saudi Royal Family to manage their religious extremists. The official title of the ruler of Saudi Arabia is Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. As the destination of the Haj, the Saudis are obliged to adhere to the fundamental tenets of Islam. They have millions of visitors annually for the Haj. They are entrusted with the two of the three holiest sites in Islam.
Do have any thoughts on what might make the Saudi royal family truly put an end to covertly exporting their islamist revolution, if they are to remain in power?
I don't accept the premise that they are covertly exporting the Islamic revolution. They openly donate to the construction and maintenance of mosques and Islamic schools around the globe. Any Saudi government would do likewise. They also contribute to US Presidential libraries. The Saudis live in a rough neighborhood. They pay protection money to lots of people.
What is the alternative to regime change, which could end Saudi support of terrorists, extremist missionary activity, and subversion of other societies?
Another phony strawman. The Saudis do whatever they deem is necessary to protect their national interests. Your quarrel is with Islam itself. I agree with that. Islam needs to be reformed and reconcile itself with modernity.
I have lived a total of nine years in three Muslim countries--Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. Each practiced its own version of Islam. The Saudis are the most orthodox and least tolerant of other religions. Indonesia was the most liberal. Iran under the Shah was liberal until Khomeini took over. I was there when it happened and the change was over night.
Currently, Islamic fundamentalism is growing in power including in places like Indonesia and Turkey. These societies are being changed for the worse. We, meaning the modern world, need to confront this threat both ideologically and with force if necessary. So far, they are winning and we are losing. It truly is a clash of civilizations and cultures.