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
Saudi Arabia
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.
In Saudi Arabia, Dissent Is Alive and Well, but Only Online or in Private
Riyadh polices its streets and cafés with a fearsome rigor, but it doesn’t seem to know how to shut down the chatter on Twitter and Facebook
Exclusive: French Officials Detail “Big Coup” Bust of Key Al-Qaeda Enabler
French counter-terror authorities tell TIME about a Tunisian arrested on suspicion of being a central figure in al-Qaeda’s activity on the internet and in the terrorist network’s recruitment, and fund-raising.