Common Ground News Service

Arab-Israeli Teachers ‘Helping to Improve Understanding’

Arab-Israeli Teachers ‘Helping to Improve Understanding’

COMMON GROUND NEWS: The recruitment of newly qualified Arab-Israeli teachers will help drive shared citizenship initiatives

 Susan Al Shahri

Female Genital Mutilation: Still Major Issue in Oman

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: The last time I raised this issue publicly the reaction was overwhelming but ‘woman with the incense burner’ still prowls hospitals in Dhofar

 Common Ground News Service

Drugs Having ‘Profound Effect’ on Tunisian Youth

Drugs Having ‘Profound Effect’ on Tunisian Youth

JIHED FREDI, CGNEWS: The recent chaos in Tunisia has allowed drug traffickers to gain a hold and they’re targetting the young with disastrous consequences

 Common Ground News Service

Saudi Women at Olympics: A Major Breakthrough

Saudi Women at Olympics: A Major Breakthrough

MAHA AKEEL, CGNEWS: The participation of two Saudi women at the Olympic Games will provide inspiration and encouragement for girls throughout the Kingdom

 Susan Al Shahri

A Taboo Subject: The Desperate Plight of Domestic Workers in Oman

A Taboo Subject: The Desperate Plight of Domestic Workers in Oman

SUSAN AL SHAHRI: I’m a proud Omani but the way in which my fellow country people treat domestic servants fills me with shame. We must change.

 Rob L. Wagner

Deadly Blaze Throws Spotlight on Saudi Girls Schools

Deadly Blaze Throws Spotlight on Saudi Girls Schools

ROB L. WAGNER: A teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said there are significant differences in safety features between boys and girls schools.

 Rob L. Wagner

Saudi Education: The Power Struggle Heats Up

Saudi Education: The Power Struggle Heats Up

ROB L. WAGNER: A new secondary school textbook highlights the struggle between liberals and conservatives within the Saudi Ministry for Education.

 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

Anti-Boycott Law: Israel, A Democracy? Really?

Anti-Boycott Law: Israel, A Democracy? Really?

MAIRAV ZONSZEIN, CGNEWS: The recently passed Anti-Boycott law effectively erases the distinction between Israel and the Occupied Territories.

 Editor, MEP

Saudi Arabia: Ministry Drivers Are Occasions of Sin

Saudi Arabia: Ministry Drivers Are Occasions of Sin

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Girls schools are inspected by female inspectors. Female inspectors need to get to the schools they inspect.

 Steve Royston

Is it Time to give Saudi Arabian Youth its Voice?

Is it Time to give Saudi Arabian Youth its Voice?

STEVE ROYSTON: Respect for the elderly is deeply ingrained in Arab society. Saudi Arabia, however, faces a major demographic challenge – a hugely youthful population.

 Susie of Arabia

It’s Not “Lady-Like!” – Women’s Sport in Saudi

It’s Not “Lady-Like!” – Women’s Sport in Saudi

SUSIE OF ARABIA: You won’t believe some of the ludicrous reasons given for why girls shouldn’t be allowed to participate in sports or exercise in school.

 American Bedu

Talk but Any Progress on Horizon for Saudi Women?

Talk but Any Progress on Horizon for Saudi Women?

AMERICAN BEDU: A forum held recently in Jeddah addressed issues of real concern to Saudi women. But will anything concrete come from the ‘talk fest’?