As far as I know, Saudis have advanced a lot in the fields of science and technology. Saudi government has laid a lot of importance on acquiring technologies in last two decades. They finance Ph.D programs for Saudi citizens in western especially US universities. If I remember correctly, Saudi government bears all expenses if a citizen chooses to do Ph.D. In my reckoning if they are bent on developing nuclear weapons they will most likely succeed, in time. Take into account their financial and diplomatic muscle and it becomes obvious.
The decision however is more of political nature than scientific. Iranian nuclear program has direct bearing to Saudi program just like Indian nuclear program triggered Pakistani program. KSA will weigh it out but will keep pressure on West by staying ambiguous so that they don't allow nuclear leverage to Iran.
Just how regional and international politics work.
My friend, see how many scientific papers are written by the entire arab/muslim world. They are less than 0.5% of what is produced in terms of academic population percentage vs just any other denomination. when was the last scientific breakthru noted.... heck, KSA even threw out the doctor who first suspected MERS as a seperate corona virus.
When a biological virus is not even given any thought, do you think they have any brains for anything else?
You don't have to lack the objectivity with an emotional outburst just because they have illegally occupied your ancestral land.
Most Chinese don't like the US either. However, we never deny the US contribution to the modern world.
You are 100% correct. Acknowledging and going to learn knowledge in any part of the world is the key. It brings thought and progress. Regretfully, these people just dont have any of that.
It is indeed a huge shame, yet it was their civilization which was far progressive and learned just over 600 years ago; and tolerant and willing to learn. Now, the only thing they learn is hate, fight, and fight. They are good at labelling and blaming others, yet dont accept that they are themselves totally flawed.
It is like a toothless tiger.
A race indeed that even their prophets would be ashamed of.
A nation which embraces learning and education as part of its core belief and is willing to move forward beyond the confines of dark ages has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, despite having the weath, they made a deal with the dark side and keep on webbing false webs of delusions and conspiracies. The rest of the world has to stand back and wonder what is wrong with these people.
It is truly ironic that was just two days ago, i was speaking with a very learned rabbi and discussion this exact issue. It comes down to education.
95% of the degrees in KSA are all religious. Their rulers unlike China's are happy in that status quo as it does not challenge them. China on the other hand gives billions in research and higher education. I appreciate the Chinese leadership in the progress they have made for China - yes there is other challenges but it is phenomenal to see how many hundreds of millions have shifted in terms of economic status.
When the barriers of hate are removed, then only a society can progress.
my 2 cents.