| After the murder and dismemberment of Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi, no one can be surprised by the brutality of the Saudi Arabian regime in persecuting those it perceives as its political enemies. But it is still possible to be shocked, which is what David Ignatius does in relaying the harrowing account of Salem Almuzaini. In documents filed in a Canadian court, the former Saudi official describes the extensive torture he says he suffered at the hands of operatives of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: whippings on his feet and genitals, electrocution and beatings with an iron bar. Almuzaini was seized in Dubai in 2017; he vanished last year. But his words resonate across time. As Ignatius writes, "The chilling description, reminiscent of memoirs of suffering by political prisoners in Iran, Chile, South Africa and the Soviet Union, offers the most extensive personal account to date of the alleged brutal conduct of the Saudi regime." Having had the honor of editing this piece, I can say: It is not pleasant reading, but it is compelling and important. That is why I thought it was necessary to run the column at nearly double our normal length, and to have it translated into Arabic so that those in the region could read Almuzaini's account and judge the regime accordingly. The photo of Almuzaini hugging his children will break your heart; it did mine. Salem Almuzaini was a senior official in the Saudi government. Then he was seized — and, he says, tortured — by the Saudi security forces he had once helped. By David Ignatius ● Read more » | | | Initially, I thought she was letting down her gymnastics team and her country. Now I see her side — and the historic sacrifice she's making. By Diana Nyad ● Read more » | | | Our elders have always yearned that one day we will have a country to unify our people. Lee proved that our love for each other is enough. By Phillipe Thao ● Read more » | | | Racial and religious nationalism, nativism and authoritarianism are seemingly on the rise everywhere. It is deeply discouraging to this member of what has been called "the Greatest Generation." By Norman Lear ● Read more » | | | With 99 percent of covid deaths coming from unvaccinated people, it's a fight we can't afford. By Michael Saag ● Read more » | | | | Wen answered questions on the latest CDC mask guidance and more. Read a transcript. Reader Q&A ● By Leana S. Wen ● Read more » |    | | | The metaverse is coming. Many people may never notice. By Molly Roberts ● Read more » | | | If successful — emphasis on 'if' — the technology could signal the beginning of the end for fossil fuels. By David Von Drehle ● Read more » | | | |
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