Currently I am distracting myself from wallowing in a sense of helplessness, by watching a series called The Empress Qi. It show the kinds of intrigue, at the courts of two neighbouring kingdoms in ancient China. There is an open, and very strict hierarchy; in which absolute obedience and deference is expected from those lower down the pecking order.

I think the traditional societies have that same structure in essence. Jamal Khashoggi was trying to bring about some elements of soft power like that of

the liberal 'democracies', which have developed a social order that makes stark displays of power unacceptable.

The pre-planned attack and murder of Khashoggi is like something out of an extreme horror movie.