American Bedu

Relationships: The Art of Flirting in Saudi

Relationships: The Art of Flirting in Saudi

AMERICAN BEDU: I have often watched how young women subtly signal their interest in a member of the opposite sex who may be visiting their home.

 Rob L. Wagner

Kick It: Women’s Football On the Rise in Kingdom

Kick It: Women’s Football On the Rise in Kingdom

ROB L. WAGNER: ‘Unseemly’, ‘undignified’ and ‘a threat to players’ virginity’ in the eyes of religious conservatives but women’s football is making major strides in Saudi Arabia.

 Common Ground News Service

Engaging Lebanese Men ‘Key’ to Women’s Advance

Engaging Lebanese Men ‘Key’ to Women’s Advance

GHIDA ANANI & LINA ABI RAFEH, CGNEWS: A Lebanese organisation is working hard to create a world where women and men live as equal partners.

 James M. Dorsey

Saudi Women Campaign for Right to Play Soccer

Saudi Women Campaign for Right to Play Soccer

JAMES M. DORSEY: Some clerics condemn women’s sport as corrupting, they also warn running and jumping can damage a woman’s hymen…

 Common Ground News Service

Lebanese Politics: More Women Needed

Lebanese Politics: More Women Needed

CGNEWS: Not a single woman was appointed to the recently unveiled Lebanese cabinet. 30 men now govern Lebanon. It’s, unfortunately, indicative of larger problems in society.

 Common Ground News Service

The Ongoing Battle Against ‘Honour Killings’

The Ongoing Battle Against ‘Honour Killings’

RASHA DEWEDAR, CGNEWS: It’s an issue that faces women throughout the Arab world but progress, it appears, is being made in some countries to protect women.

 Lucy Emmerson

Promise of Arab Spring Failing to Deliver for Middle-Eastern Women

Promise of Arab Spring Failing to Deliver for Middle-Eastern Women

LUCY EMMERSON: Now is not the time to let “women’s issues” fall to the back of the agenda; they must not be deprived of the dignity that they have fought for.

 Abu Muhammed

The Veil: Protection from Sexual, Financial Exploitation

The Veil: Protection from Sexual, Financial Exploitation

ABU MUHAMMED: I was surprised that a country with 10 million Muslims managed to lay down for the old back door without too much fuss—particularly in France, the birthplace of democracy

 Abu Muhammed

Saudi Maternity: Good Business, Bad Medicine?

Saudi Maternity: Good Business, Bad Medicine?

ABU MUHAMMED: I am told that some hospitals and clinics with birthing centers have good reputations in Saudi, but it only takes one to spoil the barrel…

 Common Ground News Service

Women in Saudi: The Drive for Rights Continues

Women in Saudi: The Drive for Rights Continues

NATANA J.DeLONG-BAS, CGNEWS: The campaign to improve women’s rights in the Kingdom has focused on the issue of driving but progress is being quietly made in other areas of Saudi life.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Domestic Violence: Men Victims Too

Saudi Domestic Violence: Men Victims Too

CROSSROADS ARABIA: No-one disputes that domestic violence is a serious issue but there is evidence that incidents of female on male violence are increasingly prevalent in the Kingdom.

 American Bedu

Unrealistic Expectations in Saudi Marriages

Unrealistic Expectations in Saudi Marriages

AMERICAN BEDU: A two day discussion between Saudi men and women on the expectation and subsequent reality of marriage in the Kingdom unearthed some familiar themes.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudis Tweak Marriage Rules for GCC Brides

Saudis Tweak Marriage Rules for GCC Brides

CROSSROADS ARABIA: After heated debate the Shoura Council has agreed the common characteristics between GCC nationals permit intermarriage.

 American Bedu

Jeddah Rapist Wreaks Horror on Children

Jeddah Rapist Wreaks Horror on Children

AMERICAN BEDU: As if the crime itself wasn’t sufficiently appalling the victims of a serial rapist in the Kingdom have to deal with family shame.

 Susie of Arabia

So What Now for Saudi Arabia’s Female Drivers?

So What Now for Saudi Arabia’s Female Drivers?

SUSIE OF ARABIA: The ‘DWF’ (‘Driving While Female’) campaign has gained some serious momentum in the Kingdom. Let’s remind ourselves of the reasons why we need to get behind it.

 Common Ground News Service

Women Must Claim Their Place in ‘Arab Spring’

Women Must Claim Their Place in ‘Arab Spring’

NATANA J. DELONG-BAS, CGNEWS: They have confronted Western stereotypes and achieved much – but will they actively participate actively in emerging democracies?

 David Roberts

Kuwait Concubines: What Century Are We in Again?

Kuwait Concubines: What Century Are We in Again?

DAVID ROBERTS: ‘Concubines’ are the solution to protecting Kuwaiti men from “..adultery and corruption,” according to a female Kuwaiti political activist. Great idea, eh?

 American Bedu

At Last: A Saudi Ban That’s GOOD News for Women

At Last: A Saudi Ban That’s GOOD News for Women

AMERICAN BEDU: Men can no longer sell lingerie to women in the Kingdom. A big deal? Very much so due to the possible implications for women.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

A Modest Proposal: Let’s Ban Male Drivers

A Modest Proposal: Let’s Ban Male Drivers

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Speeding, tailgating, road rage – yes, the ingredients of the male driver. Let’s stop this testosterone-fuelled menace.

 David Roberts

To Wear or Not To Wear the Hijab: An Experiment

To Wear or Not To Wear the Hijab: An Experiment

DAVID ROBERTS: How does it feel when you forsake the hijab and go public for the first time in many years? One woman writes movingly about the experience.