home

Saudi King Cancels Lashes For Female Journalist

By Jeralyn, Section Foreign Affairs
Posted on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 01:31:18 PM EST
Tags: Saudi Arabia, lashes (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has intervened and canceled the 60 lashes for female journalist Rozanna al-Yami.

She had worked for a network that produced a show called "Red Lines, examining taboos in the Arab world, including extra-marital sex in Saudi Arabia." She wasn't directly involved with the show itself.

The Saudi man who was on the show discussing his adventures was sentenced to 5 years and 1,000 lashes. Three of his friends who appeared with him on the show got two year sentences, and lashes. The cameraman was jailed for two months, but no lashes. LBC, the Lebanon-based Arabic channel which broadcast the show has been shut down.

< 3:15 PM Reid Presser: Expected To Announce Senate Federalist Public Option | Senate Dems, White House United For Public Option >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    Saudi King Cancels Lashes For Female Journalist | 74 comments (74 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

    Still trying to imagine... (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by kdog on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 01:53:53 PM EST
    what it is like in the mind of a person or persons who thinks talking about sex is obscene, but lashes across the back isn't.

    On second thought is is too scary to even imagine.

    Maybe they need some burkha (none / 0) (#20)
    by jondee on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 03:25:55 PM EST
    wearing dominitrixes over there.

    Madame Fatima's House of Rendition or something.

    Parent

    Power for whom? (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by CST on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:21:25 PM EST
    Ironically, I think the Saudi royal family is in general slightly more progressive than the country as a whole.  The local religious leaders are much stricter, and the cultural sentiment as a whole is very conservative.

    At least, that's what I hear from those I consider "in the know" (from the region) about such things, fwiw.

    It's all relative (none / 0) (#39)
    by CST on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:39:36 PM EST
    I'm not saying they are progressive by any means.  My point was, the country of Saudi Arabia and it's citizens are more religiously conservative than the royal family.  In ways that have nothing to do with our own national military interests.  You could make the case that as westerners, we have more influence over the actions/opinions of the royal family than the opinions of the Saudi populace.  Not just when it comes to oil, but also when it comes to Human Rights.

    There is a reason this woman was spared.  I seriously doubt it had anything to do with outrage from the Saudi populace.

    Parent

    sure (none / 0) (#83)
    by CST on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 08:20:16 AM EST
    I meant it the way Nixon was "slightly more progressive" than Cheney.  That is to say, not progressive, just not as conservative as the other.

    Parent
    Could you name your sources? (none / 0) (#40)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:39:52 PM EST
    What you say doesn't resemble the Saudi I enjoyed living in for 2 years.

    I believe the US was told to remove its military bases from Saudi after 9/11. So, what are you trying to say about Osama bin Laden being banished for his opposition to the US troops? Work out for us?

    You really confused me with that whole comment.

    Parent

    Many American women love it there (5.00 / 0) (#74)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 09:37:36 PM EST
    and, there are many reasons why. The pace is so unhurried and relaxing. The people are incredibly warm and trusting. They take care of their children and their elderly with love and respect. They have access to the best of everything in the world.

    Because our primary form of entertainment was dining with friends, the food choices were important...produce you'll never find here, spices that are fresh and so full of aroma, incredible fish (mostly caught spearfishing in the Arab Gulf), giant scallops shipped in from Norway, and on and on.

    The women may be wearing black abayah, but they are wearing huge smiles, designer duds from Paris, and more 18k gold jewelry than you can imagine underneath them.

    People shared with each other. The culture really did provide a sense of security because you never saw anything that made you feel at risk.

    So, so, so much more.
       

    Parent

    The food sounds great (none / 0) (#81)
    by otherlisa on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 02:28:15 AM EST
    but as a woman, I'm sorry, no way. It's one of the few countries on this planet that I don't even want to visit.

    Parent
    King Hypocrisy-ullah of Saudi Arabia (5.00 / 0) (#9)
    by Illiope on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:22:25 PM EST
    extra-marital sex in Saudi Arabia: you will be whipped like it is 1529.

    saudi-prince extra-marital sex in america: name your fetish, your pious countrymen will never be the wiser. (wink, wink)

    and the cameraman gets jail time? nice 'justice' system you guys have there.
     

    I sense Hillary's hand in this. (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by Sweet Sue on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:57:28 PM EST
     I don't know if she pressured the King but this is the kind of thing that Clinton, as Secretary of State, would know about and pay attention too.
    Oh and Happy Birtday, Madame Secretary.

    In all seriousness (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by shoephone on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 03:42:57 PM EST
    Is it even possible to survive 1,000 lashes? Because it sounds like certain death by torture to me.

    And for what? Talking about sex toys?

    Sheesh.

    they also just issued (none / 0) (#1)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 01:44:14 PM EST
    a rather interesting travel advisory for their citizens traveling abroad. they include:

    • Do not treat your children harshly or kiss them on the mouth in public places in order to avoid having legal action taken against you on grounds of mistreatment.

    • Avoid talking with children or adolescents over the Internet, inviting them to your house alone, or being alone with them.

    • # If a domestic dispute reaches the security authorities, the one who caused it will be punished (imagine that)


    That's rich... (none / 0) (#10)
    by kdog on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:28:39 PM EST
    the tyranny all-stars over in Saudi A think we've gone overboard with the sexual predator hysteria..."don't talk to any kids!".

    Parent
    I not clear (none / 0) (#16)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 03:00:59 PM EST
    on why you would invite a child to your house alone.

    Parent
    Not these days... (none / 0) (#19)
    by kdog on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 03:21:02 PM EST
    for the reasons the Saudis are warning their people about...but when I was a kid I used to go door to door asking if anyone had chores that needed doing for extra cash.  And then there is babysitting.

    Different time though...now I go to my niece's soccer games and get the suspicious look from the parents since I don't have a kid on the team. I thought of that when I saw your post about the warning to Saudis in the USA...we're as paranoid about sexual predators as the Saudis are about seeing cleavage.

    Parent

    What century are we in! (none / 0) (#2)
    by mmc9431 on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 01:47:41 PM EST
    When I read stuff like this I have to pinch myself to remember exactly what century I'm living in.

    It's sad to think that their are still so many people in power that use religion as a whip to control the people. Equally sad is that the  people are willing to go along with it.

    I guess there is (none / 0) (#3)
    by Wile ECoyote on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 01:48:43 PM EST
    another way to go after the media.  Obama may take note.

    Parent
    Well, it's their way of life (none / 0) (#11)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:31:17 PM EST
    They detest the way we live, too.

    Parent
    When we start chopping heads and hands off (none / 0) (#26)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:03:05 PM EST
    stoning females for cheating on their husbands, hanging gays and allow fathers to kill their daughters because she embarrassed him....

    let me know.

    Until then I will think our ways right and their ways are not acceptable.

    Parent

    Since that isn't state (none / 0) (#30)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:08:19 PM EST
    sponsored, why do you try and make it equivalent?

    Trying to be disagreeable with me, or western culture in general?

    Parent

    What it is useless... (none / 0) (#43)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:01:05 PM EST
    Honor killings are part of a culture that is state sponsored. Go on and give us a laugh by denying that and defending it.

    Parent
    Your defense (none / 0) (#59)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 06:08:47 PM EST
    of honor killings by claiming they are not part of a state sponsored culture is risible.

    See if you can find a few thousand words to fling out and try to cover up your statement.

    And while you may not find a radical Muslim under your bed it is quite possible that there may be one down the street.

    Parent

    So you aren't for them (none / 0) (#64)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 06:43:21 PM EST
    but you aren't against them.....???

    You'll have to answer for your own neighborhood.

    Parent

    Well, I'm gald to know you (none / 0) (#67)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 07:31:58 PM EST
    know the two main branches  of Islam...

    What I really find funny is your attacks on any comment that calls into question the cultural activities of many Muslims.

    Came to bury Caesar, eh?

    Parent

    Well, it is hard to say what you (none / 0) (#77)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 10:10:00 PM EST
    say... first you do, then you don't and then you provide a history lesson excusing such minor cultural activities as stoning females, hanging gays and honor killings..

    Parent
    Try reading the thread (none / 0) (#86)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 09:44:40 AM EST
    before making claims.

    Parent
    Dont be a dumbas* (none / 0) (#36)
    by jondee on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:24:55 PM EST
    our ways may be "righter", but they're far from right alot of the time.

    What is this, my country right or wrong, again?

    Parent

    That they detest our secular (none / 0) (#60)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 06:15:47 PM EST
    culture, freedom, rights, etc., doesn't mean that their culture is anywhere near the 21st century.

    Why can't you just say they are wrong without having to add that (in too many cases)gays here can't marry but aren't hung.

    Our shortfalls, indeed western civilization's shortfalls, have been working themselves out.

    You cannot say the same for Islam. It has not been reformed.

    Parent

    Oh, good grief! (none / 0) (#38)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:33:09 PM EST
    You ever been there?

    As a very independent American woman, I loved every minute of my two years living in Jubail. Our project was mixed housing with the Saudi's occupying as many houses as the ex-pats, so we had to follow the rules. We socialized constantly with the Saudi families. They are happy people.

    If another country were to pick a few really bad episodes in our culture (Manson killings, Nicole Simpson murder, Susan Smith, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy) and judge us entirely on those events as though it was the heart of who all of us are, we'd look so much worse.

    I enjoyed those two years so much, and found my acceptance of their culture in the genuinely decent people I knew.

    Parent

    Have I ever lived in ex-pat housing (2.00 / 0) (#61)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 06:20:29 PM EST
    in SA? No. Are you claiming this makes you an expert on Islam? On SA?

    That they are happy people may be true. Do you say happiness should be traded for women's rights? Gay's not hung? Thieves not having their hands chopped off? Honor killings tolerated?

    Your attempt at finding the two cultures equal is laughable, to say the very least.

    Parent

    No one claimed equal (5.00 / 0) (#75)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 09:41:18 PM EST
    But, it appears I know a heck of a lot more about their real world than you do.

    You should research more.

    Parent

    One gay hanging (none / 0) (#95)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 06:05:47 PM EST
    One stoning

    One honor killing

    is too much for me.

    Parent

    But (5.00 / 0) (#99)
    by NYShooter on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 08:40:49 PM EST
    2,000,000 fellow citizens living as guests of The State under conditions that would make HE*L seem like the Bellagio is not only condoned by us, but applauded. Each "guest," I'm sure, having had the wherewithal in intellect and funds to fairly argue his case vs. the endless might and wealth of The State, are unquestionably guilty-as-charged.

    For that there can be no doubt. After all, We all are "equal" under the law. We even have a statue at the crossroad of L.I Sound & The Hudson.....in case there was any doubt.

    G*d bless America.  


    Parent

    Your counterpoint... (none / 0) (#44)
    by kdog on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:01:36 PM EST
    is appreciated, as always...it should go without saying the vast majority of people are genuinely decent, no matter what f*cked up system you're living in and under...easy to forget the good that goes with the bad when the bad draws all the attention.

    Parent
    Maybe it's just me (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by jondee on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:07:37 PM EST
    but Im more than a little mistrustful of the emphasis on the way media reports atrocities in Muslim countries as opposed to the way it gives minimal coverage to the atrocious treatment of people in other "trading partner" countries like India and China.

    Is the treatment of women in Afghanistan and SA worse than the way Untouchable men, women and children treated in India, for instance?

    Or the way citizens in Gaza were recently dealt with?

    There's definatly a propagandistic element to all of this, IMO.

    Parent

    The difference, among other things, (none / 0) (#55)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:57:02 PM EST
    is that Islam is an expansionist religion with radicals killing other Islamic sects and attacking the west both physically and culturally.

    Parent
    I was recently in Egypt. (none / 0) (#5)
    by ChiTownDenny on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 01:59:00 PM EST
    I was both unnerved and in awe.  I thought this part of the Muslim world was more "Western-centric".  I was wrong (that's not a judgement).  I found women in burkas and hajibs throughout.  Once again, I'm not judging, but it does make one think about the influence of religion in a state and in a society.  
     

    Yup. (none / 0) (#18)
    by ChiTownDenny on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 03:14:58 PM EST
    My comment about my experience in Egypt is as much an observation about religion in Muslim countries, as well as in Western countries.  Although I admit to the misconception of believing Egypt was Western-centric.

    Parent
    Lucky Hawaii (none / 0) (#21)
    by sj on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 03:26:00 PM EST
    Blue laws are alive and well  throughout  the US.

    But Colorado recently eliminated the liquor-store-closed-on-Sunday blue law.

    Naturally, I'm not living there right now...

    Parent

    Do you really want to compare (none / 0) (#46)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:03:18 PM EST
    not being able to by 6% beer with 60 lashes?

    Parent
    Okay, so I got distracted with a change (5.00 / 0) (#54)
    by sj on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:28:37 PM EST
    in my home state heretofore unknown to me.  And no, that wasn't my intention.

    But Don's larger point (I think) is that we're not really in a position to feel too smug about our way of life.  All things being relative, of course.

    Parent

    My point is that it makes no sense to (none / 0) (#56)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 06:01:04 PM EST
    bring up our much, much, much, much, much, much smaller problems every time someone points out the much, much, much, much, much, much larger problems associated with many aspects of Islam.

    And no. All things are not relative. A stoning is not just another divorce.


    Parent

    You just tell yourself that (5.00 / 0) (#72)
    by sj on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 08:26:42 PM EST
    Let yourself ignore that Matthew Shepard happened here. Jack Price happened here.  David Johnson happened here.  Joseph Rocha happened in our military.

    But you just go on feeling smug and superior.  It's what you're going to do anyway.

    Parent

    Look for ice in hell (none / 0) (#82)
    by otherlisa on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 02:37:38 AM EST
    Because I have to agree with JimakkaPPJ at least partly.

    Yes, all of the things you mention (Matthew Shepard, et al) are terrible things. Yes, homophobia is a serious problem. Yes, America does a lot of very bad things. But in this particular area, no, I'm not going to go with cultural relativism here. Saudi Arabia engages in systematic and severe discrimination against women. It's enshrined in the legal system. Women are second class citizens by law.

    If you wanted to make a comparison to say, Jim Crow laws, I'd buy that, but in spite of the pernicious and ingrained racism (and sexism) here, it is not legal to practice discrimination against protected groups. In spite of abuses and peoples' personal prejudices, we have a legal system that protects us against these things as opposed to one that is a deliberate mechanism of oppression.

    Parent

    Jim Crow laws afre long gone (none / 0) (#88)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 09:57:49 AM EST
    Shari law is still in effect.

    Parent
    I was going to mention that case (none / 0) (#93)
    by otherlisa on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 01:52:10 PM EST
    But it is an anomaly, not established law across the country. The tide of justifiable outrage (and yeah, I signed those petitions too) is indicative of how far out of the legal mainstream this is. It's a big story BECAUSE it's rare.

    This doesn't speak to peoples' attitudes or actions -- obviously racism exists, homophobia and sexism exist, and people do terrible things based on those belief systems. But they are thankfully no longer embedded in our system of law. At least not for the most part. You have to reach for things like disparity in crack versus powder cocaine to find laws that have racial implications, but it's still one step removed from out-and-out Jim Crow laws. Women still make 77 cents on the dollar but this isn't enshrined in our legal system. It simply isn't the same.

    Parent

    Yes our culture is superior in all (none / 0) (#87)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 09:56:14 AM EST
    respects to the Islamic theocracies.

    And I have never claimed it is perfect.

    But why can't you, and many others on what I call the "Left" discuss and condemn the problems within the Islamic theocracies without always bringing our problems in?

    Look, Baptists aren't driving car bombs to Methodist Churches. Killing a daughter for dating a Yankee is not a Southern thing. And no matter how nasty, a divorce courtroom is not the same as a stoning on the edge of town.

    It is past time for the world to stand up and tell the Islamic theocracies, and I include Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia in these, "It is time for you to reform yourselves. Some of your actions are not acceptable anywhere, anyplace or anytime."

    I was hopeful that Obama would use his bully pulpit to do that. Instead he has pandered for more approval from the Muslim leaders.

    Parent

    However many words... (none / 0) (#91)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 11:10:06 AM EST
    they don't relate..

    Our culture is not state supported to do the things you write about. The Islamic Theocracies have a culture that is state supported that tolerates these things.

    But keep arguing...you prove my point about you.

    Parent

    I will be happy to cut you a deal (none / 0) (#94)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 06:00:28 PM EST
    You don't comment on my comments and I won't comment on yours.

    Parent
    Okay (none / 0) (#97)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 07:57:13 PM EST
    But don't complain when I answer your comments.

    And your concern over my health is touching, unneeded and unbelieved.

    Parent

    Why are you afraid to judge?? (none / 0) (#27)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:03:48 PM EST


    Parent
    I respect the right of all people (none / 0) (#32)
    by ChiTownDenny on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:16:22 PM EST
    to practice faith in the manner they find best for themselves.  This includes my respect for Christians, Jews, Muslims, Bhuddists, Hindus, etc.  

    Parent
    Does that include (none / 0) (#33)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:17:59 PM EST
    the right for them breaking the law in the US?? Say, stoning for cheating wives????

    Parent
    You won't find (5.00 / 0) (#76)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 09:47:52 PM EST
    events like James Byrd, Jr. happening in Saudi.  

    You go right ahead and judge while ignoring how little right this culture has to judge anyone else.

    Parent

    Now you're being an (none / 0) (#35)
    by ChiTownDenny on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:24:46 PM EST
    AxxHxxx (word deleted out of respect for Jeralyn).  

    Parent
    It was an easy question (none / 0) (#47)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:04:41 PM EST
    Your lack of an answer is the answer.

    Parent
    You're brilliant! (none / 0) (#53)
    by ChiTownDenny on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:24:27 PM EST
    And an AxxHxxx!
    eom.

    Parent
    Thank you (1.00 / 0) (#58)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 06:03:30 PM EST
    And your lack of an answer and the personal insult defines you quite well.

    Sadly though, brilliant doesn't come to my mind.

    Parent

    Meanwhile (none / 0) (#37)
    by jondee on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:29:58 PM EST
    you and red America foist on the country an eejit who cant even be bothered to insure that the people he 'an Karl 'an Alberto Texacute get a fair trial with adequate representation.

    Cast the mote out of your own eye.

    Parent

    Bush served 8 years (none / 0) (#48)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:06:14 PM EST
    and your point is.....that is forever?

    When is the King up for reelection?

    Parent

    Go ahead and regime change (none / 0) (#52)
    by jondee on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:23:35 PM EST
    him. That is, if the GOP major contributers havnt sold SA ownership rights to pur armed forces.

    Parent
    One more time (none / 0) (#62)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 06:25:15 PM EST
    Bush is gone.

    Let me know when the King has an election.


    Parent

    The point is that (none / 0) (#45)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:02:13 PM EST
    we are removed....

    Parent
    Totally agree (none / 0) (#7)
    by mmc9431 on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:15:32 PM EST
    Get off the oil fix and leave them to figure out exactly how they want to live. Right now, there's so much money involved, there's no way any of the leaders want any form of change.

    Wonderful idea and I completely agree (none / 0) (#50)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:07:42 PM EST
    in the meantime we have a whole world running on oil...

    Do you have a actual workable affordable solution to not doing so??

    Parent

    please don't change the subject (none / 0) (#51)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 05:13:48 PM EST
    it is not oil.

    Parent
    the deal (none / 0) (#12)
    by Illiope on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:33:20 PM EST
    a deal was cut in the mid-18th century between a local emir, al Saud, and the leader of the wahhabi sect, al-wahhab. the saudis and the wahhabis needed each other back then, and they need each other now. the saudis needed and still need the religio-politico legitmacy of the ultraconservative wahhabis and the tithe money, and the wahhabis needed the endorsement of the saudis in order to grow their sect and become the "official" brand of islam on the peninsula.  

    Triangulation (5.00 / 0) (#14)
    by jondee on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 02:39:36 PM EST
    forming coalitions with the most reactionary elements in order to consolidate a power base.

    Mullahs do it, Netanyahus do it, yahoos in Texas do it. Let's all fall in love.

    Parent

    ah, it's good to be the king! (none / 0) (#24)
    by cpinva on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 03:45:31 PM EST
    realistically speaking, 60 and 1,000 lashes would effectively be a death sentence, if actually carried out. had they done so, inevitably, pictures would have been taken and sneaked out, probably via the internet, creating a huge PR problem for the country.

    possibly, even a fair percentage of the population would have found it repellent enough to get upset, as opposed to only the usual western suspects.

    if they'd just sentenced them to waterboarding, everything would've been fine.

    Do you fell the same way about (none / 0) (#28)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:05:49 PM EST
    evangelicals?? Willing to let them slide?

    The Saudis' behavior has almost nothing to do with Islam,


    That King - a real Prince (none / 0) (#31)
    by lentinel on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:11:56 PM EST
    I don't want no trouble - but isn't this the actual spot  where the s.o.b.s who attacked the trade center formulated and launched the whole plot?

    Our good good buddies, our brothers in oil, the Saudis.

    why yes, yes it is. (none / 0) (#80)
    by cpinva on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 11:15:09 PM EST
    don't want no trouble - but isn't this the actual spot  where the s.o.b.s who attacked the trade center formulated and launched the whole plot?

    then of course, we attacked afghanistan because, um, well.............we could! oddly enough, no one actually directly involved in the planning of the 9/11 operation was ever in afghanistan.

    i minor detail.

    Parent

    Sick indeed... (none / 0) (#42)
    by kdog on Mon Oct 26, 2009 at 04:51:31 PM EST
    Our house is far from in order and has our own brand of authoritarian ailment, no doubt...but I don't see the harm of calling the Saudis out on their whackness...in some respects they make the USofA look like a god damn Utopia...we don't lash Dr. Ruth.

    I agree with jondee (none / 0) (#85)
    by DancingOpossum on Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 09:34:53 AM EST
    I'm more than a little mistrustful of the emphasis on the way media reports atrocities in Muslim countries as opposed to the way it gives minimal coverage to the atrocious treatment of people in other "trading partner" countries like India and China.

    Or better yet, Israel, which commits atrocities on a daily basis that make a public lashing look like child's play, but somehow these events never make it to the front page of any U.S. newspaper. I looked in vain for U.S. media coverage of the Goldstone report, for instance.

    I really enjoyed Inspector Gadget's insights into Saudi Arabia, thank you for those. It's a nice counterpoint to the hysterical screaming about crazed sword-wielding jihadists we hear far too much about.

    There's a definite propagandistic bent here. It's also why no U.S. newspaper can bring itself to call the Honduran coup what it is.

    Saudi King Cancels Lashes For Female Journalist | 74 comments (74 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment