Saudi Arabia puts 81 to death in its largest mass execution

For the self and allies there is only: - Rule of law only until it comes in the way of Self interest -- in contention, self interest always trumps.

With this rule-set a lot of things make sense.

Feds actively restrict the domestic energy industry which increases demand for Saudi energy. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/24/biden-administration-pausing...

No real surprise, as Biden promised to restrict USA energy while campaigning. https://joebiden.com/9-key-elements-of-joe-bidens-plan-for-a...

One could argue this is true for most (if not all) religious texts

Islam used to have a very solid legal system but it has not developed past the late Khilafa ages.

One you have a religious manuscript, and submissive population, you can pull off whatever shit you want and you can always find an obscure religious passage to support your claim. MBS is such a disgrace for all humanity, not just Islam, and I dare wish to see Hijaz is outside the control of Aal-Saaud.

Well what constitutes war against GOD, referred to as "Allah" here, and Mohammed (my choice of words reflect that I consider him a real prophet, but specific to Islam, not Christianity, it's subjective like fame) is not elaborated on, probably in another section it goes into detail, and plus you have to use this old, outdated tech that isn't compatible with anything these days, "judgment." Nobody talks about it much anymore.

As for the specific punishments for that harm, it's not vague at all. Execution, OK so in Arabia that means you put their neck on a chopping block, made of wood for the same reason as a kitchen cutting board, a man with a mask whose job title is "executioner" walks up with an axe I think it is, I don't know I haven't watched them live but I know in Saudi Arabia it happens in the public square, some same place every time, everyone can go watch; the masked man lifts his axe, well from that point it's too graphic even textually for HN. Then crucifixion, it's the destiny of Christ, for good reason because that was the most feared form of torture and death in the Roman Empire. Then finally, the other punishments are lighter, and the opposite-sides rule for severing hands and feet is a way to be merciful so the punished blasphemer can walk on crutches at very least, not be absolutely crippled. Exile sounds light but it's rough, most people end up at the bottom of society if they're exiled, second class citizens and often slaves. Obviously much better though. So that's where judgment comes in, this isn't digital, it's much more consuetudinary. The judge can decide what the punishment will be commensurately with the unique nuance of the transgression.

I hope that clarifies the vagueness.

Execution isn't very good at deterrence and obviously is antithetical to rehabilitation. However execution happens to be exceptionally effective at incapacitation; a criminal cannot re-offend if he's dead. And of course, much of the public support for execution is also motivated by retribution.

On the topic of retribution, I want to be clear that I don't support the death penalty, but nevertheless I think a bit of retribution in the justice system plays a roll in suppressing vigilantism. If the government doesn't pay at least a little lip service to retribution, I think you'll have more people taking matters into their own hands.

Syrians can be Shiites too .. and how do you know the threats were not directed at them for being, say, foreigners, which is unfortunately a common reaction to refugees around the world.