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When it comes to thin-skinned, autocratic, and self-destructive leaders who overreact to Twitter, who comes to mind? Did you say Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the day-to-day leader of that nation?
Didn't think so. But you could.
For months, the 32-year-old bin Salman has promoted his campaign to reform the monarchy and make it more progressive. In June the Saudis touted a monumental symbol of that change: For the first time, women were allowed to drive.
But Saudi authorities also have arrested several prominent activists, many of whom campaigned for the right of women to drive.
Several days ago, Canada's Foreign Ministry called on Riyadh to release those activists, including two who have family in Canada. The blogging brother of one of those activists has been publicly caned for running a liberal website, the New York Times reports.
After Canada tweeted, the Saudis blew a gasket. Big time. The government halted all new trade and investment deals; recalled its ambassador and expelled Canada's; and stopped direct flights to Canada.
The latest attention-grabber: Saudi authorities have yanked some 800 doctors in training in Canada, leaving hospitals a few weeks to scramble to fill the sudden loss. The Saudis are able to recall these students because the government is paying for their educations.
Talk about an Incredible Hulk-like overreaction. This move punishes blameless medical students, who likely will have their educations set back.
The Saudis say that those students can study and prepare in other nations. Maybe so, but that takes time. And we wouldn't be surprised if other countries are leery of accepting students after this episode.
Patients in Canada may suffer too because their care could be disrupted. By the way, some of those patients could be Saudi nationals, because the government often sends its citizens overseas for complicated treatments.
The Saudis demand an apology. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refuses. "Canadians have always expected our government to speak strongly, firmly, clearly and politely about the need to respect human rights at home and around the world. We will continue to do that." We're with our northern neighbors. We hope their leaders continue to speak their minds, albeit politely.
And America's response to this dust-up between two allies? Tepid. The U.S. State Department has scrupulously avoided taking sides, urging the two countries to resolve their differences with the usual sternly worded diplomatic statements.
The Saudis have invited the world to do business with them. But beware, executives: The Saudis are highly allergic to even the mildest criticism of their questionable human rights record. Choose your words, and tweets, carefully. If you're going to ruffle feathers in Saudi Arabia, best to do it in private, where no one else can hear.
The above editorial appeared in the Chicago Tribune. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
