It's quite interesting how you mention 'repression' in Saudi Arabia. Repression according to western democracies maybe, but repression according to how Saudis view their own internal affairs, I think not. I lived there for 4 years and I can't remember a single time that I felt repressed, or any of my Saudi colleagues. We were very close. Not to say that it doesn't exist, but not at the scale and level often talked about.

If you are talking about wealth distribution or other social concerns, then the Saudis are as acutely aware of their own problems as anyone else. Not to labour on this point, but you do tend to look upon the middle-east as if they are in need of emancipation. That is not how the vast majority feel. Maybe us in the West need emancipation from our own very narrow viewpoints, and sometimes the prejudices that stem from it.

But I will agree with you that the US and the West shouldn't be seen as the cause for all of society's ills. Individually and collectively, we can all improve our situations.

I will, however, maintain that whole nations and people cannot be tarnished for the views and actions of some of them.