Archive for June 17, 2012
Islamism in the Syrian uprising
“In fact, when widespread unrest flared around Dir’a in mid-March, state officials alleged that General Supervisor al-Shaqfah had helped to instigate the violence. Al-Shaqfah responded by issuing a carefully worded statement that expressed sympathy fo…
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Understanding Arabs
Khelil sent me this: “I recently came across Understanding Arabs by Margaret Nydell. Here are some gems:Arabs consciously reserve the right to look at the world in a subjective way (17) Fatalism, a belief that people are powerless to control events, …
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
America is weeping: Prince Nayif is dead
““On behalf of the American people, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to King Abdullah, the royal family, and the people of Saudi Arabia. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described Prince Nayef as having been devoted to the “…
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
The Princes’ School in Riyadh
The education of Prince Nayif: ”Prince Nayef was born in 1934 and was educated at the Princes’ School in Riyadh, a specialist school created for the House of Saud’s children, and by senior religious scholars.” (thanks Mohammad)
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Lebanese politicians prostrate
“”With the absence of Prince Nayef, the Saudi Kingdom as well as the Arab and Muslim community lose a distinguished man known for his courage, wisdom and support of Arab causes, ” said Mikati, who will be traveling to Saudi Arabia Monday to particip…
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Abe Foxman speaks
“In other words, this supposedly “comprehensive poll of Israeli public opinion” is a Jews-only affair.” (thanks Electronic Ali)
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Do you notice that Western media ignore human rights violations in the Ramallah police (non)state?
“The PA security forces surrounded and arrested, on Saturday night, dozens of students from the Islamic bloc at Birzeit University during their trip in the area of Ain Arik, west of Ramallah. Imran Madhloum, a leader in the Islamic bloc, …
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
the new Libya
Nir sent me this: ”In libya, new law 37 makes it criminal to say anything positive about qadhafi and the old regime and law 38 gives amnesty for anybody who fought against the old regime of qadhafi for anything they did”.
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
On Gandhi
Chathan sent me this: ”I read your post on Gandhi. As someone of Indian background, my own position on Gandhi has been a very ambivalent one, even though my great-grandfather was a devoted Gandhian of sorts in his own personal life and ethics. …
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
"House of Saud destroys the tombs of the companions of the Prophet"
Egyptian newspapers can now retrieve the archives: this from the 1920s.
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
French socialists mourn Prince Nayif
“French President Francois Hollande said his country had lost a “friend”".
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
plus ça change
Michael sent me this: “”These people have got to be taught at whatever cost to them that they cannot get on without us.”Does this sound like: a) Early 20th century British Imperialism (b) Early 21st century American Imperialism (c) Western Imperia…
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Zionism is always racism
“Unknown assailants hurled a firecracker at a pub owned by Eritreans in south Tel Aviv’s Hatikva neighborhood and injured on person. The pub’s owner said that severe damage was caused to the building. “I live in fear,” he said. “I want to leave Isra…
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Smooth democratic political transfer in Saudi Arabia
Alex sent me this: “So I was watching Al-Arabiya TV on the Death of Nayif. They said that Saudi Arabia is well famous for “smooth democratic political transfer”. Kid you not.”
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Shame on the Economist magazine
Read this really lousy piece on the Syrian opposition in the Economist: the correspondent of the Economist in Beirut basically writes her pieces from the Hariri press office, it sounds like. It lacks the basic standards of fair journalism: she ju…
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
celebrating high Christian fertility rates
“Ibn Rushd” sent me this: ”Maronite Patriarch held yesterday a celebratory mass that in part was to thank those families that have given birth to many children”.
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Prince Nayif and human rights organizations
None of the Western human rights organizations said a word about Prince Nayif: that the man has managed a most gruesome torture and murder apparatus in the Kingdom; that he oversaw the repression machinery of the Saudi kingdom.
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Serving Humanity
King of Bahrain says, between tears, that Prince Nayif was serving “humanity”.
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Bahraini Ministry of Interior
Bahraini Ministry of Interior announces that it will provide “water and fresh juice” for every mourning session that is held by Shi`ites for reading the Qur’an for Prince Nayif. Kid you NOT.
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad
Neil MacFarquhar
I am still thinking: I mean, MacFarquhar spoke about the “charm” of Prince Nayif. Even Saudi princes and US officials agree that the man is gruff and rude and dour and impetuous. Where did MacFarquhar get that from? Even US offic…
Posted on June 17, 2012 by As'ad