The United States State Department has declared for the first time that Saudi Arabia violates religious freedom. The wording the Department chose, “freedom of religion does not exist” in Saudi Arabia, surprised – and pleased – even some long-term advocates of recognizing the regime’s religious intolerance. Many have recognized this as the possible beginning of sanctions against the kingdom if they do not begin to accept some democratic liberties - a major step, considering the close economic ties between the regime and the United States.