Latest posts by Ayesha Saldanha from September, 2008
Saudi Arabia: No addresses, just directions
Stranger in this Dunya complains that no one in Saudi Arabia seems to use addresses: “Directions will more like: ‘We are on Takhasussi street, just after the Riyadh Bank and behind xyz shop. It’s the building with vines growing up the sides.’ “
Saudi Arabia: Human rights on the syllabus
Crossroads Arabia comments on a report that Saudi Arabia may introduce human rights on the syllabus for law students: “As well as teaching what are deemed to be the ‘Universal Islamic Rights of Man’, it is also important to teach the ‘Universal Rights of Man’ as put forth by the...
Saudi Arabia: Don't judge Palin as a mother
Saudi-based blogger Nzingha, a mother of five, feels that Sarah Palin has been judged on the wrong criteria: “One shouldn't choose to not support Palin because she is a mom just as one shouldn't choose to support Palin simply because she is a woman. Her ability to do the job...
Jerusalem: Varieties of headwear
Vika in Jerusalem describes the different form of head covering she sees around the city, including the kippah, shtreimel, taqiyah, keffiyah, and niqab.
Saudi Arabia: Extreme sports
American Bedu asks why the Saudi government doesn't control extreme sports, and shows two videos of racing as an example: “The Japanese version is done on proper tracks design to minimize injuries, the spectators are out of harm’s way, cars with cages to protect the driver, and most importantly the...
Saudi Arabia: The perils of shopping
Susie of Arabia, an American living in Saudi Arabia, gives a list of reasons why she hates shopping in the kingdom, which includes store hours, traffic – and her husband.
Palestine: The siege of Gaza was broken – and then?
On August 23, two boats carrying international activists broke the siege of Gaza by landing in Gaza's harbour. The boats have since left again, leaving some of the activists behind, and taking some Palestinians with them back to Cyprus. However the activists plan to return to Gaza on September 22 - amongst other things, delivering mail to the Palestinians. In this post, we look at some Gazan reactions to the breaking of the siege, as well as accounts by the activists.
Bahrain: Traveller's tales
Bahraini blogger Cradle of Humanity, who studied in the UK, describes a recent visit to London, and the intensity of her feeling for Britain when there: ‘I’ve always been a victim of nostalgia, but did not quite expect it to be triggered by mere names in the street. … To...
Saudi Arabia: Finding strength and empowerment in religion
While it is often argued that religion is used to oppress women, there are many women who gain a sense of empowerment from their faith. In this post, we hear from one Saudi blogger who thinks she knows why many married women turn to religion, while another describes the inspiration she gained from a colleague.
Bahrain: A friend in need…
Bahraini blogger Icon explains why she has chosen to help her ex-boyfriend's girlfriend who is pregnant.
Bahrain: Gratitude to a teacher
In Bahrain, a blogger who calls herself Dedicated To Him pays tribute to her teacher: ‘It’s rare when an English teacher…becomes you becomes your friend, your mother, & your sister… It’s rare to find a person like her among us.’
Saudi Arabia: Permission to celebrate birthdays
Saudi Jeans reports on a sheikh who has spoken about the permissibility of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, viewed by more conservative religious leaders as un-Islamic.
Bahrain: Life of leisure?
Bahraini blogger Garden of Sands, currently living in the USA, is surprised to discover from a co-worker that Bahraini women do not work: ‘Nope, not a single one of us. Not only do we not want to, we surely don't need to. Why? Because we are all sitting on oil...
Egypt: To blog or not to blog?
Egyptian blogger Whisper of Madness explains an absence from blogging, and reflects on the Middle East blogosphere: ‘Believe me, the faults and flaws of the Middle East are staunchly reflected in our blogging community, often times by the same people who speak out against them. The politics, the backstabbing, gossiping,...
Oman: Forum administrators legally responsible for all content?
Muscati, the administrator of OmanForum, explains his decision to remove an article that may have got him into trouble – and reports that the administrator of another forum is under investigation, possibly for the same matter.
Arabeyes: Ramadan TV – for and against
The month of Ramadan has just started, and many across the Arab world have been looking forward to the special Ramadan television series that are always shown. Bloggers from Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia give us their opinion of the popularity of Ramadan TV in this post.
