If it isn't bad enough that women have to cover their whole body in Saudi Arabia, now they may have to cover their eyes! Apparently some women have "tempting" eyes and the religious police in Ha'il may force them to cover those eyes.
I have an idea. Maybe the men of Ha'il should learn to control themselves. Or if looking at a woman's eyes is enough to cause them discomfort, maybe they should wear blindfolds. Perhaps one day the Kingdom will enter the 20th century (I've given up on the 21st).
Showing posts with label saudi arabia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saudi arabia. Show all posts
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Lingerie Shops in Saudia Arabia
Apparently they do exist. And the Kingdom has decided that only women should work or shop in those stores. The shops will be exclusively female, and should have mostly Saudi workers in them. This law takes effect at the beginning of 2012.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Quick News Roundup
A lot of stuff has happened over the past few days:
Big earthquake in Turkey. Magnitude 7.2 It's been a while since the last one.
The Saudi crown prince died. So far all the kings have been the sons of Abdul Aziz, the founder of the Kingdom. Call me crazy, but maybe they should try having a ruler who isn't over 80 years old? Or maybe even less than 60?
Qaddafi is dead and Libya is "officially" free now.
The United States is leaving Iraq.
Big earthquake in Turkey. Magnitude 7.2 It's been a while since the last one.
The Saudi crown prince died. So far all the kings have been the sons of Abdul Aziz, the founder of the Kingdom. Call me crazy, but maybe they should try having a ruler who isn't over 80 years old? Or maybe even less than 60?
Qaddafi is dead and Libya is "officially" free now.
The United States is leaving Iraq.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Women's News October 15, 2011
An Iranian actress, who appeared in a movie criticizing Iran, may get a year in jail and 90 lashes. The movie is also banned in Iran.
Nice opinion column by a female Saudi journalist, on The role of women in the Shoura Council.
Information about female genital mutilation. Several Islamic countries have issued fatwas banning it.
Nice opinion column by a female Saudi journalist, on The role of women in the Shoura Council.
Information about female genital mutilation. Several Islamic countries have issued fatwas banning it.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Iranian Plot Against Saudi Arabia: Update I
More about this confusing plot, which Iran says it is "an American-Zionist plot." The US has put sanctions on Mahan Air (an Iranian airline that flew operatives), and wants to sanction the Central Bank of Iran.
One of my friends initially wondered if this was another US entrapment-style capture of an alleged terrorist (like too many of the "terrorist plots" have turned out to be). According to Juan Cole, that may be what happened.
Let the Iran-bashing ramp up, just like the Iraq-bashing did before we invaded. After all, the US is moving troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan.
One of my friends initially wondered if this was another US entrapment-style capture of an alleged terrorist (like too many of the "terrorist plots" have turned out to be). According to Juan Cole, that may be what happened.
Let the Iran-bashing ramp up, just like the Iraq-bashing did before we invaded. After all, the US is moving troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Iranian Plot Against Saudi Arabia
Weird news yesterday about a plot to kill the Saudi ambassador, and maybe even bomb the Saudi and Israeli embassies in Washington, D.C. Iran is supposedly behind the plot. Considering the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, it doesn't really surprise me. But to actually do this on US soil seems a bit bold, maybe even an act of war to some politicians.
Juan Cole has more on the situation - that the Iranians behind it may be running a drug cartel. And the evidence he cites is convincing: if it was government sanctioned, then it was pretty sloppy work.
Of course, that brings up the topic of why is the US government claiming it's Iran if it's really a rogue agent? Because of US friendship with the Saudis? The Saudi's are very upset and want some kind of action taken. So is this just another rung on the ladder of "We really need to do something about Iran?" Will it be easier for the Israelis to possibly bomb Iranian nuclear plants after this?
Juan Cole has more on the situation - that the Iranians behind it may be running a drug cartel. And the evidence he cites is convincing: if it was government sanctioned, then it was pretty sloppy work.
Of course, that brings up the topic of why is the US government claiming it's Iran if it's really a rogue agent? Because of US friendship with the Saudis? The Saudi's are very upset and want some kind of action taken. So is this just another rung on the ladder of "We really need to do something about Iran?" Will it be easier for the Israelis to possibly bomb Iranian nuclear plants after this?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Saudi Arabia Craziness: Update I
Remember the Saudi woman sentenced to 10 lashes? King Abdullah has decided to overturn that sentence. Maybe one day women will be able to freely drive in Saudi Arabia.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Saudi Arabia Craziness
At first I was excited because the King decided to allow women to vote! How 21st century of him. They can even run for office. And even join the Shura council. Of course, this doesn't start until 2015, so there's plenty of time to backtrack on it.
So first I'm excited, then disappointed. Because a woman has been sentenced to 10 lashes with a whip, for breaking the law - the driving law! I guess if a woman can drive on her own, then it's harder to keep an eye on her. And we all know that if you don't keep an eye on a woman, she'll get into all sorts of trouble (yes, this is sarcasm).
So first I'm excited, then disappointed. Because a woman has been sentenced to 10 lashes with a whip, for breaking the law - the driving law! I guess if a woman can drive on her own, then it's harder to keep an eye on her. And we all know that if you don't keep an eye on a woman, she'll get into all sorts of trouble (yes, this is sarcasm).
Friday, June 24, 2011
Women's News June 24, 2011
I've posted before about the plight of Asian workers in the Middle East (and elsewhere) who are mistreated. You may remember that Saudi Arabia has really had some problems with mistreating house maids. Well, now they've executed a house maid from Indonesia, who killed her abusive employer. Indonesia is livid and recalled their ambassador, because they were not informed, and have decided not to allow any more workers to go to Saudi Arabia. The suspension starts August 1st. There are currently 28 Indonesians on death row in Saudi Arabia.
The Women2Drive campaign is under way in Saudi Arabia. Women are driving and posting photos of it online. You can support them at their Facebook page.
The first woman priest in the Middle East was ordained in Bahrain this month. She's an Anglican who used to work in Yemen, but is currently posted in Dubai. Apparently Bahrain is the "cathedral of the Gulf," which is why the ceremony was there.
The Women2Drive campaign is under way in Saudi Arabia. Women are driving and posting photos of it online. You can support them at their Facebook page.
The first woman priest in the Middle East was ordained in Bahrain this month. She's an Anglican who used to work in Yemen, but is currently posted in Dubai. Apparently Bahrain is the "cathedral of the Gulf," which is why the ceremony was there.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Women's News May 23, 2011
Just a short one for today.
A Saudi woman who posted video of herself driving has been arrested. Actually, re-arrested. And the Facebook page for women driving in the Kingdom and a Twitter account, are both gone. A few other women who dared to drive were also arrested. I guess if women are allowed to drive then you simply won't be able to keep an eye on them all the time. And who knows what those crazy women might get up to without a man to control their every move! (sarcasm)
A Syrian-American women in Damascus, who is also a lesbian, has started a blog about her experiences. She was in hiding from the police for a while, and may still be in hiding. You can read her blog here: A Gay Girl in Damascus.
Good Luck to all of these women!
A Saudi woman who posted video of herself driving has been arrested. Actually, re-arrested. And the Facebook page for women driving in the Kingdom and a Twitter account, are both gone. A few other women who dared to drive were also arrested. I guess if women are allowed to drive then you simply won't be able to keep an eye on them all the time. And who knows what those crazy women might get up to without a man to control their every move! (sarcasm)
A Syrian-American women in Damascus, who is also a lesbian, has started a blog about her experiences. She was in hiding from the police for a while, and may still be in hiding. You can read her blog here: A Gay Girl in Damascus.
Good Luck to all of these women!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Women's News February 18, 2011
A Syrian blogger named Tal Mallohi has been sentenced to 5 years in jail, accused of spying for the US. She has several blogs and is only 19 years old.
Saudi women are worried that harassment of them is increasing. But the protests in Egypt may be helping to decrease harassment of women there.
Helen Clark, who heads up the UN Development Program (and used to be PM of New Zealand), visited Yemen. She discussed a number of issues, including advances that need to be made for women.
During the protests, Tahreer Square in Sana'a, Yemen was supposed to be the site of a traditional crafts fair for women. I don't know how things went, but hopefully the fair was still able to go on.
Saudi women are worried that harassment of them is increasing. But the protests in Egypt may be helping to decrease harassment of women there.
Helen Clark, who heads up the UN Development Program (and used to be PM of New Zealand), visited Yemen. She discussed a number of issues, including advances that need to be made for women.
During the protests, Tahreer Square in Sana'a, Yemen was supposed to be the site of a traditional crafts fair for women. I don't know how things went, but hopefully the fair was still able to go on.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Protests Protests Protests!
Things are heating up across the Middle East, and the latest is in Bahrain. Protesters are trying to take over the main square, just like the Egyptians did. Two people have already died in these protests. Funerals were held Tuesday and sparked even more protests. Several policemen have been arrested for the deaths. These protests are continuing today.
Protests in Jordan have included Bedouin, who want their land back. And the government recently decided to allow protests or rallies without government permission.
In Saudi Arabia some activists are trying to form a political party.
Protests have started in Libya as well, and several activists have been arrested. Protesters are calling for their own Day of Anger and numerous people have been injured. More on the protests.
Activists have called for protests in Syria. One of them was arrested and just released. And a female teen-aged blogger in Syria, held for over a year, has been convicted of spying for the US.
What's also interesting is what isn't mentioned online. For instance, the Gulf Times in Qatar has articles on Egypt, Tunisia, and even Yemen, but nothing about Bahrain. Whereas the Gulf Daily News in Bahrain does cover some of the protests. So does the Kuwait Times.
Protests in Jordan have included Bedouin, who want their land back. And the government recently decided to allow protests or rallies without government permission.
In Saudi Arabia some activists are trying to form a political party.
Protests have started in Libya as well, and several activists have been arrested. Protesters are calling for their own Day of Anger and numerous people have been injured. More on the protests.
Activists have called for protests in Syria. One of them was arrested and just released. And a female teen-aged blogger in Syria, held for over a year, has been convicted of spying for the US.
What's also interesting is what isn't mentioned online. For instance, the Gulf Times in Qatar has articles on Egypt, Tunisia, and even Yemen, but nothing about Bahrain. Whereas the Gulf Daily News in Bahrain does cover some of the protests. So does the Kuwait Times.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Quick News Roundup February 12, 2011
ArabNews (Saudi Arabia) reports that the subcontractors to the US Embassy are abusing their employees. They cite a report by the US Office of Inspector General, and provide a link to it. Abuse of South Asian employees is fairly common in the Gulf. I don't mean that as an excuse, just as a piece of information.
A senior rabbi in Israel is under arrest for supporting a book (Torat Hamelech) that says when it is okay to kill Gentiles. He refused to be questioned by police, because it is a religious issue. This whole thing originally came to a head in January of last year (see this article). I'm not sure what to think of it. It sounds as though some people want it to be thought of as a scholarly work, while others see it as inciting violence. The article I linked to makes some good points about the authors of the study (also rabbis) and that they may be inciting violence. I will say one thing though: if a Catholic priest wrote a book saying that the Bible says sometimes it's okay to kill Jews, there would be a huge uproar and calls of anti-Semitism. But almost no one would say it's a religious issue and the police should stay out of it.
There's more about that senior rabbi in this article, which compares the Muslim Brotherhood to the ultra-Orthodox religious right in Israel. They believe that Judaism trumps democracy, and want to take Israel even further down that road.
This was written before Mubarak left, but it's a quick look at how events in Egypt are affecting the Gulf. And this more recent article covers the current situation. Even Palestine is affected and should have elections in September.
A senior rabbi in Israel is under arrest for supporting a book (Torat Hamelech) that says when it is okay to kill Gentiles. He refused to be questioned by police, because it is a religious issue. This whole thing originally came to a head in January of last year (see this article). I'm not sure what to think of it. It sounds as though some people want it to be thought of as a scholarly work, while others see it as inciting violence. The article I linked to makes some good points about the authors of the study (also rabbis) and that they may be inciting violence. I will say one thing though: if a Catholic priest wrote a book saying that the Bible says sometimes it's okay to kill Jews, there would be a huge uproar and calls of anti-Semitism. But almost no one would say it's a religious issue and the police should stay out of it.
There's more about that senior rabbi in this article, which compares the Muslim Brotherhood to the ultra-Orthodox religious right in Israel. They believe that Judaism trumps democracy, and want to take Israel even further down that road.
This was written before Mubarak left, but it's a quick look at how events in Egypt are affecting the Gulf. And this more recent article covers the current situation. Even Palestine is affected and should have elections in September.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Women's News February 10, 2011
A Dutch-Iranian woman was hanged at the end of January. She was arrested in 2009 for protesting, but was hanged on drug charges.
Over 600 girls were given vocational training in Yemen in 2010.
Saudi women met yesterday to discuss the role of women in the Kingdom and successful businesswomen spoke of their experiences.
Over 600 girls were given vocational training in Yemen in 2010.
Saudi women met yesterday to discuss the role of women in the Kingdom and successful businesswomen spoke of their experiences.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Civil Rights in Saudi Arabia
Human Rights Watch just released their World Report 2011, which shows just how badly civil rights are abused in Saudi Arabia. At the moment, a Canadian-Indian woman is trapped in the Kingdom, because her father won't let her leave. She's 24 years old. And if you want to write a blog or even have your own web site, you'll need a license for that. If you write anything on the Internet, then they want to know who you are.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saudi Flames
A man in Saudi Arabia has set himself on fire, and died. The Tunisian immolators have been copied by men in Egypt, Yemen, and now the Kingdom, hoping to spark political reform. Egypt and Yemen theoretically have public elections, although their presidents are basically in life-long terms. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy in the Al-Saud family.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Civil Rights Sit-In in Saudi Arabia: Update I
The sit-in has been cancelled. You may remember that ACPRA had called for a sit-in on December 23rd. Well, yesterday they were called in to the Interior Ministry and told their permit request was not approved. So they decided to cancel it. I'm guessing that without approval they were simply too intimidated to go through with the protest. I don't blame them. I would be terrified of doing an illegal protest in Saudi Arabia, but that's usually what it takes for anyone to pay attention. Protesters getting beaten up or imprisoned and tortured, until the rest of the world says "Enough!" and pressures their governments to do something. But that might not happen since the Kingdom controls a lot of oil and has a lot of influence in the US government.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Civil Rights Sit-In in Saudi Arabia
Yes, you read that correctly. A sit-in is scheduled for December 23rd in Saudi Arabia. The organizing group is the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA). They have asked for official permission, but the sit-in will go on even if it isn't granted. They are calling for all Saudis to join the sit-in.
You may remember that last week a magazine editor was arrested for speculation on the succession issues in Saudi Arabia. According to the ACPRA website, a university professor and human rights activist was arrested on Sunday. He had recently published an article about the royal family on Facebook.
I'd like to wish Good Luck to everyone involved with the sit-in. It is easy for me to write about civil and human rights, because I live in America. But it takes a lot of courage to do that in the Middle East.
You may remember that last week a magazine editor was arrested for speculation on the succession issues in Saudi Arabia. According to the ACPRA website, a university professor and human rights activist was arrested on Sunday. He had recently published an article about the royal family on Facebook.
I'd like to wish Good Luck to everyone involved with the sit-in. It is easy for me to write about civil and human rights, because I live in America. But it takes a lot of courage to do that in the Middle East.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Saudi Succession
I've been meaning to get back to this subject. King Abdullah, who is 86, is currently recuperating from surgery. The next-in-line for the throne is his brother Prince Sultan, who is 85. As I've mentioned before, so far all of the kings have been Abdul Aziz and his sons. That generation is getting very old now, and soon the crown will have to pass to the next generation.
It's been a while since I looked at this, but I think that in the past, when the king died, the Al-Sauds got together and chose the next heir. At the moment, Sultan is set to become king after Abdullah. But at their ages, it wouldn't surprise me to see some major turnover in the next 5 years. Joseph Kechichian wrote a good book on the subject almost a decade ago. His access to members of the royal family really showed some of the succession lines.
I'm not sure what will happen when the next generation takes over, but apparently I'm not the only one concerned. A magazine editor was arrested for writing an article speculating about how the kingdom could collapse after Abdullah's death. There are different factions in the royal family who may fight over who gets to be in charge. Abdullah himself must have been worried because he created the Allegiance Council (of sons and grandsons) in 2006 to officially govern the succession. Things could get interesting in Saudi Arabia in the near future.
It's been a while since I looked at this, but I think that in the past, when the king died, the Al-Sauds got together and chose the next heir. At the moment, Sultan is set to become king after Abdullah. But at their ages, it wouldn't surprise me to see some major turnover in the next 5 years. Joseph Kechichian wrote a good book on the subject almost a decade ago. His access to members of the royal family really showed some of the succession lines.
I'm not sure what will happen when the next generation takes over, but apparently I'm not the only one concerned. A magazine editor was arrested for writing an article speculating about how the kingdom could collapse after Abdullah's death. There are different factions in the royal family who may fight over who gets to be in charge. Abdullah himself must have been worried because he created the Allegiance Council (of sons and grandsons) in 2006 to officially govern the succession. Things could get interesting in Saudi Arabia in the near future.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Saudi Ailments
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has a blood clot in his back. He was ill during the Hajj with a ruptured disc in his back, and the clot is related to that. The king is also 86 years old, so it's worth taking a look at what will happen whenever he does pass away. So far, all of the kings have been the sons of Abdul Aziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia. After Abdullah, it will pass to the next generation. I'll post more on this later.
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