Brave man.

They have this much freedom of expression in ''the kingdom?"

The mutaween also regularly enforce misogyny - going after women who show too much skin or independence from the men in their lives - family members, etc.

They'll harass women who don't follow the Salafist/Wahabi way.

So, of course, the Saudi newspaper banned him for saying it.

The comments section of DKos is about to get very, very interesting. There's a shit storm on the way. I'm making popcorn.

I hope he keeps his head.

re: #4 gclaghorn

The comments section of DKos is about to get very, very interesting. There's a shit storm on the way. I'm making popcorn.

Damn it. Wrong thread. Again. Ignore me for the next five minutes while I sort out my firefox tabs.

There will be at least one columnist missing one hand and one foot.

re: #2 mean Gene

They have this much freedom of expression in ''the kingdom?"

Well you are free to write what you want just once. After that look out and head for the hills.

How much longer will he be free? Or alive?

re: #9 Fat Jolly Penguin

/sarc, btw

re: #9 Fat Jolly Penguin

How much longer will he be free? Or alive?

Valid question. no sarc.

Oh my...pray for that man. He'll need all the help he can get.

If they abolish the Muttawa, the next time there is a fire in a girls school, who will defend the girls' honor if they try to escape the fire immodestly attired?

Used to follow this blog which went cold some 30 months ago. An eternity in web years.
[Link: www.muttawa.blogspot.com...]

The guy's got balls enough to get fired.

Saudi religious police however may find work in Pakistan's federally administered tribal areas, where Talibans destroyed 125 girls schools and have ordered women to stay indoors. (read this on Fox News Cable scrolling news today)

re: #7 Ay, Caramba

There will be at least one columnist missing one hand and one foot.

No that is the punishment for theft. They are very strict about applying the correct punishment like good little nazis. For slander they may rip out his tongue.

re: #17 lifeofthemind

yeah, but with a good lawyer he can plea bargain down to a hand and foot.

re: #18 Ay, Caramba

yeah, but with a good lawyer he can plea bargain down to a hand and foot.

Yes, but it will cost him an arm and leg for such a good lawyer

re: #18 Ay, Caramba

or just a big toe.

I salute you, Abdallah bin Bakhit, Sir.

re: #19 Desert Dog

Yes, but it will cost him an arm and leg for such a good lawyer

At the beach, they will ball him bob.

Remember when American Military women were forced to cover up and be driven, to obey Saudi sexist laws?

Hooray for the US military leaders who said sayonara to muttawa.

I read things like this, and I cross my fingers, hoping that the Kingdom's 7th century walls are showing just the teeny-tiniest little cracks and that maybe in my lifetime the light of civilization will penetrate the barbaric darkness.

Teetering on the edge of the 9th Century.

re: #18 Ay, Caramba

yeah, but with a good lawyer he can plea bargain down to a hand and foot.

Seriously, though, a lawyer in Saudi Arabia can find himself in trouble for defending an unpopular client, particularly one accused of a religious crime.

Stoning the devil:

Didn't the United Nations make a ''law'' that disparaging Islam is punishable?
Can't he be jailed in a Bill Ayers'-type ''re-education camp" until his thinking is straightened out?
Two plus two are five.

Serious question. Does this indicate that Bush's policy of increasing student visas for Saudis is working despite the security risks and the very bad taste it leaves?

I could make a lot of money as a stone salesman. Like the Monty Python movie.

Yet another example of how the American left is increasingly being taken over by the far left.

And yet whacknuts in this country want to whine about persecution.

Kind puts things in perspective.

re: #30 Ay, Caramba

I could make a lot of money as a stone salesman. Like the Monty Python movie.

Everybody must get stoned

A columnist for a Saudi newspaper stood up and called for the “religious police” to be abolished.

That's like me calling for the abolition of chocolate. It ain't gonna happen!

re: #29 lifeofthemind

Its a poor gamble in my opinion, too many risks and the rewards may or may not materialize.

re: #27 Charles

Stoning the devil:

[Video]

[Video] Everybody Must Get Stoned

re: #28 mean Gene

Didn't the United Nations make a ''law'' that disparaging Islam is punishable?
Can't he be jailed in a Bill Ayers'-type ''re-education camp" until his thinking is straightened out?
Two plus two are five.

"THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS."

re: #31 sneezey

Yet another example of how the American left is increasingly being taken over by the far left.

Huh?

Just a reminder that Ashura is on Jan. 7th. The new embedded video feature is going to be gory.

re: #30 Ay, Caramba

I could make a lot of money as a stone salesman. Like the Monty Python movie.

Wonder who has the license to sell genuine Israeli flags in Cairo? Everything is regulated and needs a license. Bet there is big money in selling cutting edge revolutionaries real flags and zippo lighters with US or Israeli logos, along with visa application packets and guidebooks.

re: #39 Killgore Trout

Just a reminder that Ashura is on Jan. 7th. The new embedded video feature is going to be gory.

Isn't that when those sick fucks slice open their own children's heads?

re: #41 MandyManners

Yep, the Shia's at least.

So how long before the Saudi religious police ban this guys head from his shoulders?

Drug use in the US kills more people than stoning does in the M.E., wanna bet? Anyone see that Fox News Cable report on the beheadings in Mexico and US border towns by drug cartels? Houses in the US (Phoenix, border areas) full of hostages held by terrorists for ransom?

It's sick that American drug users fund this war and enrich evildoers around the world.

Drug use disgusts me.

re: #41 MandyManners

Isn't that when those sick fucks slice open their own children's heads?

Makes it easier for the Jooooooooos to get blood for their Matzohs mix I guess.....

///

re: #41 MandyManners

Yup. The flailing videos are tough to watch.

re: #27 Charles

[Link: www.asianews.it...]

re: #37 MandyManners

"THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS."

One if by land, two if by sea.

They fooled us, they're coming by land and by sea!

- Duck Soup

re: #47 Thanos

This year was a pretty safe Hajj. No stampedes or building collapses.

re: #46 Killgore Trout

Yup. The flailing videos are tough to watch.

The Catholics have that too on Good Friday...Latin America, the Philippines...

re: #49 Killgore Trout

This year was a pretty safe Hajj. No stampedes or building collapses.

* * *
Next year, Christmas in Mecca.

I can dream.

re: #41 MandyManners

I'm wondering if some of them did this already today in Gaza.

Time for me to catch a nap, got very little sleep since yesterday

re: #49 Killgore Trout

This year was a pretty safe Hajj. No stampedes or building collapses.

It was the will of Allah. As were the stampedes and building collapses.

re: #49 Killgore Trout

This year was a pretty safe Hajj. No stampedes or building collapses.

Hmmm, I wonder how many terrorists could be eliminated.... if..... Ahhh, probably shouldn't go there...

re: #51 alegrias

* * *
Next year, Christmas in Mecca.

I can dream.

For me Yathrib returned to those it was stolen from.

re: #50 Desert Dog

There's usually and handful of idiots who get nailed to a cross too.

May this journalist and his family remain safe.

re: #27 Charles

Stoning the devil:

Charles -

"...Evrry Body Must Get Stoned..." - Zimmerman

-S-

Our friends™.

What a mess they are.

re: #44 alegrias

There is not one border town on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border that is deemed "safe" now. Mexico has descending into a hell like Columbia did when the Medellin Cartel and Pablo Escobar took over...

The drug money corrupts them all, from the dog catcher of Guadalajara up to the offices of El Presidente...

Because of all of the drug cartel/gang violence, my home, Phoenix, is now the "Kidnapping Capital" of the USA....not an "honor" I am proud.

re: #51 alegrias

* * *
Next year, Christmas in Mecca.

I can dream.

No harm in that! lol

Its mind boggling that Hamas concentrated its new 'graduates' and senior staff in an open air forum.

re: #57 Killgore Trout

There's usually and handful of idiots who get nailed to a cross too.

My wife is from Pampanga, Philippines....that's where they do that....literally nail themselves to the cross....ehhhh, no thanks

re: #36 ErnieG

[Video] Everybody Must Get Stoned

worse vocals than Dylan...is that possible?

re: #49 Killgore Trout

This year was a pretty safe Hajj. No stampedes or building collapses.

1300 years, finally get the hang of it.......

re: #65 albusteve

worse vocals than Dylan...is that possible?

If it is, I don't want to hear it.
No can click.

re: #66 jcm

1300 years, finally get the hang of it.......

No, they just quit reporting it. If they dont report it it didnt happen, works for MSM every time.

re: #65 albusteve

worse vocals than Dylan...is that possible?

Yes. I was just being mean.

re: #61 Desert Dog

"Dog"

"...from the dog catcher of Guadalajara to the offices of El Presidente..." down in Quintana Roo.
Sounds like the beginning of a good remake of SMUGGLER'S BLUES.

-S-

re: #66 jcm

I think if they all got "actually" stoned, rather than all of that symbolic stoning, we'd all be better off, eh? Someone stoned is less likely to blow themselves up and will be much more mellow.....

We should send in bale-loads of pot into Gaza tell them to fill up the hookahs.

re: #69 ErnieG

Yes. I was just being mean.

GAURDS!

re: #71 Desert Dog

I think if they all got "actually" stoned, rather than all of that symbolic stoning, we'd all be better off, eh? Someone stoned is less likely to blow themselves up and will be much more mellow.....

We should send in bale-loads of pot into Gaza tell them to fill up the hookahs.

History is not good on that idea.....

About 300 moonbats disrupted Olmert's speech.

Left-wing activists protest Gaza op as 'genocide'

While Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called for the unity of the citizens of Israel and their support for the operation in Gaza, hundreds of left-wing activists gathered on the Defense Ministry's lawn to protest the deaths of over 200 Palestinians.

Five of the protestors were arrested for rioting after they damaged the security fence and clashed with police forces on the scene.

Ever notice thar so-called 'peace protesters' are some of the most violent people around?

re: #71 Desert Dog

I think if they all got "actually" stoned, rather than all of that symbolic stoning, we'd all be better off, eh? Someone stoned is less likely to blow themselves up and will be much more mellow.....

We should send in bale-loads of pot into Gaza tell them to fill up the hookahs.

maybe spike the water with some kind of happy juice....I wonder if the Bats would mind that solution?

re: #57 Killgore Trout

There's usually and handful of idiots who get nailed to a cross too.

On the subject of getting nailed to a cross, I bet many missed this recent item.

The following is the description as it appears today on the Al Arabiya website:

[Link: www.alarabiya.net...]

Headline: Hamas approves law of punishment by lashes, amputating hands, crucifying, and execution - in order to implement the Islamic Sharia law. Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council approved in its meeting in Gaza a new bill proposed by the Hamas who have a majority in the Legislative Council, whose purpose is "to implement Koranic punishments."

The newspaper Al Hayat of London reported on Dec. 24, 2008, that this step is seen as unprecedented, and has brought criticism and concern from human rights organizations in the Gaza Strip, especially as this law includes punishments by lashes, cutting off of hands, crucifixion, and execution... The language of the law proposes "primary and secondary" laws. Primary laws include: "Koranic laws, blood revenge, lashes, crucifixion, and execution ..."

[Link: newsblaze.com...]

re: #73 jcm

History is not good on that idea.....

Good God, they cannot even get stoned without wanting to kill something! There is no hope for them then.

re: #75 albusteve

maybe spike the water with some kind of happy juice....I wonder if the Bats would mind that solution?

How about some of Michael Jackson's 'Jesus juice'?

re: #56 lifeofthemind

For me Yathrib returned to those it was stolen from.

* * *
Sorry, don't understand your reference to Yathrib.

re: #75 albusteve

maybe spike the water with some kind of happy juice....I wonder if the Bats would mind that solution?

you kidding, they would all fly off to Gaza to drink as much as they could!

re: #29 lifeofthemind

Serious question. Does this indicate that Bush's policy of increasing student visas for Saudis is working despite the security risks and the very bad taste it leaves?

It's worth pondering. It's possible.
I'm sceptical, though.
From what I have personally seen (only at 2 universities, mind you!), Saudi students are the least likely to mix with others of any group I know. They do join Muslim groups on campus, but even there tend to form their own clique.

What anyone sees when looking at America depends a lot on preconceptions, no? When Sarah Palin said that Obama doesn't see the same America that she does, she's stating a simple fact. IMHO.
Where one observer may see vigorous entrepreneurship and freedom of opportunity, another may see capitalist oppression and "institutional" racism. Where one may see glorious freedom another may see decadent license.

I don't know the answer, but it's a very good question!

re: #78 NJDhockeyfan

How about some of Michael Jackson's 'Jesus juice'?

oh puke!...I withdraw the suggestion....

re: #80 Desert Dog

you kidding, they would all fly off to Gaza to drink as much as they could!

het!...a Twofer!....good thinkin dood

re: #61 Desert Dog

There is not one border town on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border that is deemed "safe" now. Mexico has descending into a hell like Columbia did when the Medellin Cartel and Pablo Escobar took over...

The drug money corrupts them all, from the dog catcher of Guadalajara up to the offices of El Presidente...

Because of all of the drug cartel/gang violence, my home, Phoenix, is now the "Kidnapping Capital" of the USA....not an "honor" I am proud.

* * * *
I want our nation's illegal drug habit to "get depressed" like the rest of the economy.

Americans kicking their illegal drug habit could solve a problem or two at home & below the border...

Hello Mudda
Hello Fadda
Here I am in
Camp Muttawa

Learning how to
Beat the women
When their chadors blow and
They can't keep their skin in.

re: #79 alegrias

* * *
Sorry, don't understand your reference to Yathrib.

alegrias -

If Yathrib doesn't get your attention, perhaps MEDINA will - Pre-Islam, it was a Jewish Town.

-S-

shutting down the oppressive 'religious police' would be such a good move for women. and this is a brave man to say it.
these thugs routinely beat women on the street for too much wrist or ankle showing.
it is unthinkable in this day and age that in some places women go out of their homes and worry if they will be beaten by a stranger who decides they are not invisible enough to suit him.

"We should avoid modifying the constitution in response to cyclical changes in American public opinion." - Jimmy Carter

re: #85 Salamantis

Hello Mudda
Hello Fadda
Here I am in
Camp Muttawa

Learning how to
Beat the women
When their chadors blow and
They can't keep their skin in.

Where the Hamas hates Hezbollah
And they've outlawed Rock and Roll-a

re: #89 debutaunt

"We should avoid modifying the constitution in response to cyclical changes in American public opinion." - Jimmy Carter

"deb" -

Broken Watches being correct twice daily, I agree with Former President Carter on this one, remember "PROHIBITION?" That is all.

-S-

re: #79 alegrias

* * *
Sorry, don't understand your reference to Yathrib.

One of the first great crimes in Islam's bloody history was the betrayal and extermination of the majority Jewish tribes of Yathrib who had welcomed the refugee Mohammed. It is now called Medina.

A PC wiki article here [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

re: #91 Dr. Shalit

"deb" -

Broken Watches being correct twice daily, I agree with Former President Carter on this one, remember "PROHIBITION?" That is all.

-S-

I just ran across this quote and was amazed that he ever said anything that made sense.

I wonder if Abdallah bin Bakhit was a foreign exchange student.

This is the type of person we, in the west, should be supporting

The muttawa are a bunch of sexually frustrated, bullying ingrates. I've seen these fucktards in action in the Majik Kingdumb. It is truly is amazing to see the Saudi "society" function firsthand. I am glad I will never, ever step foot into that giant litter box again.

If you ever have the displeasure of riding a Saudi urban bus, or worse yet, one of the Toyota Coaster mini-buses, you have not felt the potential for Death to jump out and grab you. Oh, and the city buses are segregated - women in the back two rows, separated from the men in the front twelve rows, by a large Plexiglas barrier...with their own separate entrances.

Saudi Arabia. Fifth Century, meet 21st Century.

Every time I hear of the S.A. "Religious Police," I think of this incident:

Saudi authorities should conduct an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation of the March 11 [2002] fire at a girls' public intermediate school in Mecca that claimed the lives of at least fourteen students, Human Rights Watch said today. The tragedy has focused attention on the role of the religious police as well as the state agency responsible for the education of girls and women in the kingdom

Eyewitnesses, including civil defense officers, reported that several members of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (mutawwa'in, in Arabic) interfered with rescue efforts because the fleeing students were not wearing the obligatory public attire (long black cloaks and head coverings) for Saudi girls and women.

[..]

"Whenever the girls got out through the main gate, these people forced them to return via another. Instead of extending a helping hand for the rescue work, they were using their hands to beat us," Civil Defense officers were quoted as saying. The officers also said they saw three people beating girls who had evacuated the school without proper dress. A Saudi journalist told Human Rights Watch that the mutawwa'in at the scene also turned away parents and other residents who came to assist.

My sister lived in Riyadh for a number of years, and was routinely harassed by the mutawwa'in, and didn't really come away with a lot of respect for them. She often just pretended not to speak English or Arabic and they would give up on her.

Our friends the Saudis!
/// Friends for a fee.

when it comes to saudi arabia the human rights watchdog groups are no where to be found...but they'll be out in force on monday to condemn israel...

Every time someone says "where are the moderate voices of Islam?" think of this man and what he is going through.

The thugs are in control Ladies and Gentlemen. It takes significant bravery to speak out against them. And when you've been raised in an environment of subservience to these piles of dog crap, it takes an open mind as well. Keep in mind the horribly brain washed nonsense they broadcast on television (courtesy of MEMRI).

It is rare to find one such as this man. He deserves our respect. The Mutaween need to be exorcised from Saudi life. But we can't do it for them. They'll have to learn somehow. Perhaps, in a few years, when Iraq is an open, democratic society...

This just reinforces, for me, how FORTUNATE I am, to be an American.
Sometimes I tend to take my freedoms for granted.......
Then I read this kind of thing.
I guess if you're born into it, it seems normal......

Start a dialogue, have a beer with your friendly neighborhood Mutawah!

re: #61 Desert Dog

There is not one border town on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border that is deemed "safe" now. Mexico has descending into a hell like Columbia did when the Medellin Cartel and Pablo Escobar took over...

The drug money corrupts them all, from the dog catcher of Guadalajara up to the offices of El Presidente...

Because of all of the drug cartel/gang violence, my home, Phoenix, is now the "Kidnapping Capital" of the USA....not an "honor" I am proud.

Mexico has become the Nation of Kidnappers. Director Guillermo del Toro (currently in NZ working on The Hobbit for Peter Jackson) has vowed to never shoot another film in his native country... because it's too dangerous.

Wow.

re: #103 gymnast

Start a dialogue, have a beer with your friendly neighborhood Mutawah!

Y'know, oddly enough, the Fertile Crescent was where beer was discovered/invented. Some have argued that Beer was one of the first industrial products that Civilization created. I like to point out that it may have been the other way around: I think Beer begat civilization. Once the delightful discovery was made, we needed farms, villages and industry to support the brewer.

Maybe that's why they're so uncivilized. They have denied their heritage and forgotten what made them great. I think teaching the Mutaween to appreciate beer would be a great start. (Not that they'll ever consider it...)

Coffee was discovered in Yemen. Initially, people would eat the beans. Eventually, processing them was developed. It appears to be the only thing invented by Muslims.