Saudi Arabia: Human Rights and Public Persuasion

Saudi Arabia's justice system features public beheadings, hangings and floggings, which — to Western eyes -- are violations of human rights. But the Kingdom is so important to defense contractors, intelligence agents and stability in the Middle East that Western governments usually don't say a word. Now rare public criticism has outraged the Saudi royal family, and British leaders are struggling for damage control. Should recent incidents cause the US to be heard from, or would complaints fall on deaf ears?