Another setback for Saudi policy as the regime is forced to retreat on its threats against Qatar from where it had withdrawn its ambassador last month. Bahrain and the UAE had followed suit but Kuwait and Oman did not. An agreement has now been reached to patch differences and get back to business as usual--rubbing noses and kissing.
While appearing for a court hearing, albeit behind closed doors, human rights lawyer and activist Waleed Abulkhair was sent to prison. He was out on bail following his three-month sentence last October for “insulting the judiciary,” the “authorities” and “holding unauthorized meetings.” The regime has become totally paranoid but its oppressive tactics seem not to work as people are posting messages on YouTube demanding basic rights.
The mystery of Bandar bin Sultan's absence from the kingdom has finally been resolved with his removal from the post of intelligence chief. He had lost the Syria file to cousin and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef earlier this year. What will Bandar do now? Given his penchant for mischief-making, it would be premature to write him off but his major role in the kingdom's affairs is over. Good riddance!
There are too many Sharifs in power in Pakistan. Is it good, asks reader Askia Wajd?
An open letter from AlAnood Al-Fayez, ex-wife of Saudi King Abdullah to US President Barack Obama who failed to raise the issue of Abdullah's four daughters held hostage by the king. The Washington Post and New York Times declined to publish this important article so as not to offend the Saudi Monarchy.
Something is not well in the desert kingdom. King Abdullah made a sudden announcement about appointing his half-brother Prince Muqrin as deputy crown prince. No wonder he is grinning from ear to ear. The announcement from the royal court said in case the position of king and crown prince became "vacant." Very interesting indeed.
Will Saudi Arabia become the next target for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS)? It cannot be ruled out based on statements posted on the Internet. There is much support for the group inside the kingdom where people are donating generously to it, not to mention sending volunteers to join it. The Saudi regime may have created a monster that will now come to bite it.
Saudis are finding that even their petro-dollars can no longer buy the loyalty of some Muslims. Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama of Lucknow in India has shown rare courage by openly condemning the Saudis for declaring the Ikhwan al-Muslimoon in Egypt and Hamas in Palestine as “terrorist” organizations. Nadwa's principled stand was immediately endorsed by a number of other organizations and Muslim political parties in India.
Who is a terrorist? Is it someone who kills innocent people or someone who defends his legitimate rights? The Saudi regime is known to sponsor terrorist outfits worldwide yet it has the gall to declare the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt a “terrorist” organization. The Bedouins from Nejd that have illegally occupied the Arabian Peninsula are financing the murderous thugs in uniform, the Egyptian military, with $15 billion in aid.
Rulers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE are not amused. They think Qatar is trying to be extra smart by backing the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and even supporting MB activities inside their countries. They have withdrawn their ambassadors from Doha. How long with this last? Not very long, if their past behavior is any guide.
The uppity Bandar bin Sultan has been given the boot as Saudi spy chief. The Syrian file has been taken away from him and handed over to Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef in a clear indication that the Saudi regime has come around to accepting defeat in its destructive policy in Syria. It is trying to cut its losses and find a face-saving exit from the mess.
Money and self-interest always trump human rights. The Harper regime has just announced a $10 billion sale of military equipment to one of the most notorious regimes in the Middle East--Saudi Arabia. While the Saudis are so incompetent that they will not be able to use them against any external threat, their real use would be against its own civilian population as well as keeping other notoriously oppressive regime, such as in Bahrain, in power.
Barack Obama to King Abdullah: We are still your masters--er, friends. Do not worry, just keep smiling. Can puppets demand any respect?
The Lebanese army shown in photo, arrest Jamal Daftar-Dar, a Saudi-backed terrorist in Lebanon. He is believed to be involved in the car bombings of Iran's Embassy in Beirut on November 19 that killed at least 25 people. Another Saudi intelligence operative, Majed al-Majed died in mysterious circumstances in a Beirut hospital only a few days after his arrest. He could not be interrogated about his Saudi-backed terrorist operations.
Terrorist bomb attacks have escalated alarmingly in Iraq in recent weeks. Facing almost certain defeat in Syria, the Saudi-backed terrorists have intensified their murderous campaign in Iraq. The Saudi regime is arming, financing and training these terrorists to destabilize the region. The Saudi aim is to divert attention from their own illegitimate rule.
Foreign backed terrorist groups are fighting each other more than the Syria forces. They are also indulging in gruesome acts that have appalled most Syrians. They wish to have nothing to do with such barbarism.
Majed al-Majed, head of the Saudi-backed Abdullah Azzam Brigade, has died in mysterious circumstances in a Beirut hospital. He was captured from Sidon only last Monday and DNA tests had confirmed his identity. The group had claimed responsibility for the Iran Embassy bombing of November 19 resulting in 26 deaths. Iran wanted to join the investigation by questioning Majed. By killing Majed, this possibility has been eliminated.
Hiding behind the veneer of religiosity, the self-imposed Saudi tribal monarchy can in fact be linked directly with Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab of yore. The religious veneer is meant to confuse ordinary Muslims.
1There is much in common between the Saudis and the zionists. Both are illegal regimes occupying holy lands. Their secret alliance has now been exposed. Muslims must take appropriate steps to confront this phenomenon.
Pakistan under Nawaz Sharif is trying to wriggle out of its commitment to build the gas pipeline from Iran. Sharif has close links with the Saudis and the Americans. Neither wants the pipeline.
