For some reason, the government here finds itself compelled to get involved in organizing cultural events even when they suck at it. Why? Maybe because they don’t allow non-governmental organizations that usually play such roles in other countries. Or maybe because they want to keep the matters of arts and culture under control. Anyway, they [...]
Category Archives: Politics
On the Statement and Shameless Apologists
Sunday, December 25, 2011 – 20:10
Two stories were the focus of much debate and discussion in Saudi Arabia recently: a) the trial of what the local media likes to call the “Jeddah cell,” a group of reform activists accused of terrorism and plotting to overthrow the monarchy; and b) the tragic events in Qatif that resulted in the death of [...]
On Being Hashtagged
Thursday, August 4, 2011 – 14:48
Adhwan al-Ahmari seems to think that there is some kind of war raging between Saudi journalists and activists. He said the revolution in Egypt has produced a divide between the two groups. This war is taking place in Twitter and in newspaper columns. First, let’s get some facts straight. There is a lot of broad-brush [...]
The New Activism
Tuesday, August 2, 2011 – 13:55
It is rather sad that at a time when peoples are toppling dictators and changing regimes, we are still stuck talking about women driving, underage marriage and the right of prisoners to get a speedy, fair trial. I’m not saying these issues are unimportant, but let’s face it: their importance pales quickly when compared to [...]
Here and there
Sunday, July 3, 2011 – 16:18
The Guardian sent their south Asia correspondent Jason Burke to Saudi Arabia for a special series on the country. While I think the overall reporting of the series leaves something to be desired, it was the third part of the series that made the headlines locally. Sheikh Saad al-Shethri (remember him?) said he intends to [...]
Manal released, Shoura still a joke, and why Islamists are silent
Friday, June 3, 2011 – 2:07
Manal al-Sharif has been released on Tuesday. After her release, she released a statement in which announced that she will no longer be involved with the women’s driving campaign that is scheduled for June 17. The campaign, however, is still on track according a statement published on Facebook. Meanwhile, the Shoura Council said the they [...]
More on Manal al-Sharif and women’s driving
Saturday, May 28, 2011 – 13:49
Eman al-Nafjan has a good roundup on the latest in Manal al-Sharif’s case. Al-Nafjan was on also on CNN to talk about the issues yesterday. Wikileaks documents reveal that the US government been quietly putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to allow women to drive, the Guardian reports. Sabria Jawhar says “There was a time when [...]
#SaudiGirlsUnite, Bandar is back, Gulf monarchies challenge
Saturday, April 23, 2011 – 6:11
Saudi women activists are planning to show up in polling centers in the country’s major cities to demand their right to participate in the upcoming municipal elections when the registration starts today. The campaign is mainly organized via Facebook and Twitter. Prince Bandar bin Sultan, aka Bandar Bush, is back and John Hannah argues that [...]
Guest Post: What will happen in April 23? And why?
Thursday, April 14, 2011 – 1:38
By Eman al-Guwaifli What will happen? The elections process to choose municipal elections will start on April 23 with voters registration, and it will end by casting ballots on September 23. Starting from this moment, the scenario of this upcoming summer seems very clear. On April 23, the voters registration will begin, and the numbers [...]
