Link With Dollar

It is not difficult to agree with Prince Saud Al-Faisal’s assessment that delinking oil from the dollar will be “sensitive.” But I am afraid, sensitive or not, it will have to be done sooner or later. The dollar is sinking for reasons that have nothing to do with oil or other commercial issues. It is falling mainly due to America’s “war on terror.” If that war continues for a few more years and if a new president does not end it or redefine its goal as something other than global domination, the dollar will continue to plunge down. Besides, as reports tell us, it is the dollar in hard currency that illegal trades such as drug trafficking use. When dollar notes are printed to maintain the current expenses of America’s wars on different fronts, the currency falls further. In contrast, the euro is climbing higher and higher every day — because it is not the global currency of war and the drug trade. Obviously, unless the next US president, possibly a Democrat, changes the course of the war on terror, the dollar will find itself on a par with, say, the Indian rupee. The Kingdom should look at the issue more critically and consider linking its trade to euro. The riyal is a strong currency, backed by a strong economy. Nevertheless, its value in Asia has gone down because it is tied to the dollar.

Fida Khan, Riyadh published 21 November 2007

Guilty Without Trial

As India’s Gujarat state is preparing for elections, people and social organizations of all hues and colors are debating every relevant point. That is as it should be. However, there is an issue that is not discussed at all — the 87 young Muslims still in jail booked under POTA and accused by the Narendra Modi government of involvement in the burning of the Sabarmati Express at Godhra Station. They have been in jail for more than five years now and have not been tried or granted bail. There is no hope for them under the Modi government. The young men were picked up at random, without anyone checking their guilt or innocence. According to the Indian Constitution, every citizen has the right to challenge charges leveled against him in a court of law, defend his innocence and get bail. Then why are these young men not allowed to get bail?

In contrast, the main perpetrators of the post-Godhra pogrom have publicly admitted their crimes and boasted how they procured and distributed bombs, swords, guns and other weapons for use in the mass killing of Muslims and how they personally slashed the stomachs of pregnant women and raped and killed Muslim girls. The videos recording their admissions have been seen by everyone. Still, there are no arrests or POTA against them. Why? It is for a simple reason: They are the fascist cadres of the ruling party while those in jail are second-class citizens who have no right to speak, no right to justice, and no right to security. I am not claiming that they were not involved in the incident. I do not know. Maybe they were, maybe they were not. But we will never know until the evidence against them is presented in a court of law and evaluated. Why are they not given that right?

Abdul Hannan, Jeddah published 21 November 2007

Swapped Children

The story “Turkish Couple in Child Swap Case Return Home” (Nov. 16) made sad reading. There has to be a solution to the human dilemma that takes into account the emotional and sentimental factors involved. I would suggest that the authorities should try their best to make it easy for the two families to keep in close contact. Relax the rules to make it easier for them to visit each other from time to time. The Kingdom can provide a special visa to the Turkish family, the boy in particular, so that he would be able to visit the Kingdom whenever he liked, just like any other Saudi boy and pursue his studies in the Kingdom if he so wished. May Allah forgive those who were involved in this case.

Abdulkadir, United Kingdom published 21 November 2007

Rising Crime

The law and order situation is getting to be alarming in Riyadh. Just two days ago, a Kanoo employee was robbed, in broad daylight, of his car, money and mobile and was given severe knife wounds on his face. It happened very near his office, behind the Marriot. He had to be hospitalized and now is recovering. That was the second case of attack on a Kanoo employee in a week.

Obviously, the attackers were following him. He was blocked by two cars suddenly and, sensing something was wrong, he switched off the car, put the keys in his pocket and came out. Then three or four black Saudis attacked him and stabbed him in his face and took all his belongings and the car, and sped away. That happened in an area where there is 24-hour patrolling and a security car was parked nearby. But it seems the gangs are not afraid of anyone.

Earlier, we used to hear of Saudis taking away cars by bumping them from behind or breaking the lock. Now, they are following, trapping and attacking expatriates. Some Asian limousine drivers were killed in Riyadh recently. Given the high number of such incidents in a short period, I think it is high time that the situation be brought to the attention of the government by Asian embassies. If nothing is done, the number of victims will multiply by the hour.

Mir Khan, Riyadh published 21 November 2007

Punishing the Victims

I cannot believe what I just read in Ebtihal Mubarak’s story “Qatif Court Convicts Rape Victim” (Nov. 13). How on earth can a rape victim be punished for getting raped? How can Saudi Arabia let this happen? This is so grotesque and unfair that I do not have words to describe my emotions. Justice demands that the men should spend their lifetimes in jail. I can only pray that the people responsible for this sentence will come to their senses before it is too late. We will all be judged for what we do in our lifetime.

Guro Vasdal, Turkey published 21 November 2007

Punishing the Victims [2]

Kudos to this justice system. It never ceases to surprise me. If you get raped or assaulted, keep silent.

Anoob Hakim Abdul Kader, United Kingdom published 21 November 2007

Punishing the Victims [3]

This is the sickest thing I have read in all my 74 years. What is wrong with the Middle East? Those who live there are still in the Dark Ages.

Joe Gill, United States published 21 November 2007

Punishing the Victims [4]

I find it difficult to believe that an intelligent, dignified people would allow the whipping and imprisonment of a woman who was gang-raped by the most disgusting of wretches. Her punishment was then doubled because she complained. Her attorney debarred. This is an act of barbarism. Where are the men among you?

Paul Hall, Riyadh published 21 November 2007

Punishing the Victims [5]

As a well-traveled Australian citizen, I have come to learn and respect the laws, religion and tradition of many beautiful places worldwide. However, upon reading of a woman lashed and jailed, despite being a victim of rape, I must rethink this level of respect. Sure, she disobeyed a law. But surely the role of the presiding judge should be fairness and law, not retribution for appealing. Please do not destroy the life of an innocent woman.

Corey, Australia published 21 November 2007