Women in Saudi Arabia can now ride bicycles in public, but officials are saying “only for entertainment.”
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Women’s Voices Are Starting to Be Heard
By royal decree, women now make up 20% of the closest thing the conservative Islamic country has to a legislature. In 2015, they will get to vote and run for office. However, they still can’t drive
Saudi Arabia to Tourists: We Are Just Not That Into You
The “Roads of Arabia” exhibit touring the U.S. may pique interest in Saudi Arabia’s sites, but would-be tourists must content themselves with a virtual visit: the country offers no tourism visas
France May Aid Syrian Rebels Unilaterally If EU Doesn’t Lift Arms Embargo
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said March 14 Paris may begin supplying arms to anti-Assad rebels if partners don’t respond to a Franco-British appeal to lift the embargo.
A Lack of Swordsmen May Lead Saudis to Abolish Beheadings
Saudi Arabia is considering the abolishment of execution by beheading in favor of death by firing squad
Saudi Arabia Jails Two Leading Activists for 10 Years
Mohammed Al-Qahtani and Abdullah Al-Hamid, two prominent Saudi human rights activists, were handed 10-year prison sentences this weekend, concluding a trial that began in June 2012, and has since gained international attention.
Al-Qahtani, an economics professor, has been an outspoken critic of the Saudi judicial system and monarchy. …
Shopaholic Saudi Princess Flees France After Racking Up Millions in Debt
The spending habits of Saudi Princess Maha Al-Sudairi, the ex-wife of the late Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, has gotten her into some trouble with the French government.
That’s Rich: Saudi Prince and Forbes in Spat Over Billionaire List
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal isn’t happy with Forbes for ranking him No. 26 on its annual billionaires’ list and estimating his wealth at $20 billion. He says he’s worth more.
Detained, Tortured and Held Without Trial, a Saudi Political Prisoner Returns Home
Ghazi al-Harbi has spent the last seven years locked up as a political prisoner. He is now readjusting to the life he was taken away from
After November: 5 Middle East Headaches That Await the U.S.
Last week’s U.N. General Assembly session served up reminders that the next White House may have little option but to deal with a number of crises previously deferred
The Toulouse Terrorist: Was He or Was He Not a Lone Wolf?
Report in le Monde detailing declassified intelligence reports suggest Toulouse killer Mohammed Merah had far more contacts with presumed radical allies than previously known–but security officials contend it doesn’t undermine …
Must-Reads from Around the World, August 8, 2012
Among today’s picks: factional politics in China, the emerging proxy wars in the Middle East and remembering 8-8-88 in Burma.
The Secret Life of a Saudi Women’s Soccer Team
Though Saudi Arabia sent female athletes to the Olympics for the first time this year, women within the country still struggle to find basic sports and fitness facilities.
