"Reform is coming like a strong, gushing current and no one will be able to stop it," proclaims leading government critic, Mohammed Mohaisen. Reformers have a difficult task ahead. Wahabi clerics, who dictate all personal morality and social affairs, are reluctant to loosen their grip on the kingdom. They favour a return to stricter Islamic practices. However, revelations that terrorist funds have been flowing out of Saudi Arabia has forced the ruling Al-Saud family to accept changes. "Let's face it, there's sympathy for al-Qaeda here," states Dr Khalid al Dakeel. Oil money is drying up and unemployment has reached a record 27%. There is a real concern that, with poverty on the increase, disaffected youths will turn to extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. There is also a need to change the education system and remove its emphasis on Islamic teaching. Change is already underway. Clerics recently had to hand over control of girls' schooling to the Ministry of Education after 15 students, prevented from leaving a burning building because they were not wearing veils, burnt to death. The challenges may be huge but reformers are optimistic. "The government itself is working on reform. It may be approaching slowly, but they can't go back."