from the Independent in Britain---------------------
Historic and culturally important landmarks are being destroyed to make way for luxury hotels and malls... Mecca, once a place where the Prophet Mohamed insisted all Muslims would be equal, has become a playground for the rich...Few are willing to discuss their fears openly because of the risks associated with criticising official policy in the authoritarian kingdom. And, with the exceptions of Turkey and Iran, fellow Muslim nations have largely held their tongues for fear of of a diplomatic fallout and restrictions on their citizens' pilgrimage visas. Western archaeologists are silent out of fear that the few sites they are allowed access to will be closed to them.
But a number of prominent Saudi archaeologists and historians are speaking up in the belief that the opportunity to save Saudi Arabia's remaining historical sites is closing fast.
why you may ask
In the eyes of Wahabis, historical sites and shrines encourage "shirq" -- the sin of idolatry or polytheism -- and should be destroyed.