The Coward's Sandpit

Is Jeddah still "different" ?

2006-07-22T11:09:00.000Z

Is Jeddah still "different"? Abdullah al-Metairi doesn't think so.
And I have to agree with him.
All indications are, that "the commission" is laying the final assault on what little freedom
the city, which was considered a relatively liberal haven, clings on to.
Saudi ladies were fired from department stores. Resorts, restaurants and amusement parks have been closed down and their owners, and the unfortunate people who were at the wrong place at the wrong time, harrassed and arrested. Music concerts prohibited for the first time in the Jeddah festival's history. So on and so on. Clearly, for all the talk of reform and moderation, the extremists are still controlling the country.

K

controlled fires

2006-07-15T13:24:00.000Z

A short thought on reform. A word which was something of a buzzword back home for a while. A lot of people got their hopes up, but as it turns out, their hopes were largely misplaced.

It is said that in may countries where forest fires are a risk, fire departments start small controlled fires to burn off dry shrubs and the like to prevent the risk of an uncontrolled forest fire. Ironic, isn't it, that fires are used to prevent bigger fires.

We smelled the smoke of reform, in fires lit by our government. National dialogue, elected municipal councils etc... People thought it was the start of greater things, but no, they were merely controlled fires to stop any serious change.

People put great faith in King Abdullah, but even if we assume the best of intentions, there's no doubt the government's vision of reform is probably different to most people's. They see it as tranquilisers or at best minor surgery to ease the pain, while "reformers" see it as major surgery to heal a sick nation. It is also too much to expect them to acknowledge that they are also part of the problem.

The morphine is being dished out.

K

Introduction

2006-07-15T12:30:00.000Z

I'm from a place which styles itself as the "kingdom of humanity". But it is anything but, unfortunately. This is a country where speaking your mind, or sticking your neck out to do the right thing has considerable risks.

On the one side, you have illiterate bearded nutcases who have taken it upon themselves to be our moral guardians, wether we like it or not. And they will do whatever it takes to enforce their often backward views.

On the other side, you have the state. You have a man called Nayef whose minions are itching to throw you in jail if they percieve any hint of dissent or criticism, however mild.

In short, a country where if you don't shut up and eat hay, and live like sheep, you may find the world brutal and unforgiving.

So you can excuse me if I try to stay anonymous. I'm not a campaigner, or part of some movement. I just want to express my opinions without too much fear.

Praying for the day when we can live without fear. a beautiful day that would be!

K

Hullo!

2006-07-13T14:55:00.000Z

Welcome to my place, here in 3alam al-jubn (as in: world of cowardice, not world of cheese). As you can see, this blog is brand new. It's a bit sparse, but I'm sharpening my pencils and organising the papers, so things are on the move inshallah.

Please feel free to leave a comment and say hello. Thanks for visiting , and all the best to you.

K