Prince Talal bin, half-brother of King Fahd of Saudi...

Prince Talal bin, half-brother of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, said that if the kingdom, an absolute monarchy, is to integrate itself in the modern world it needs a gradual political evolution.
This, he argued, calls for democratic reforms and the adoption of Islamic laws more consistent with international human rights conventions.
He said it was "very difficult" to alter practice in areas where the Koran offers clear guidance. But some cases, such as beheading criminals, could be addressed by precedents in Islamic history where rulers had the religious right to suspend, though not eliminate, certain practices.
"We have to look for more humane ways of execution," he said.