Tuesday, 24 April 2007
By Sabria S. Jawhar
The Saudi Gazette
KIDNEY failure continues to increase as a phenomenon all over the world, and Saudi Arabia is no different. Almost 3,000 people in the Kingdom alone need a transplant of a healthy kidney in order to live.
However, a health official says a Fatwa (verdict) is needed that would allow doctors to use the body parts of dead patient or a brain dead one.
Faisal A. Shaheen, director-general of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, said that issuing such a decision would largely help the Kingdom's government reduce the long waiting list for kidney transplants.
He said that there are almost 450 confirmed brain dead cases in Saudi hospitals.
Issuing a Fatwa would provide as many as 450 hearts and livers in good enough shape for transplant. It could also provide 900 kidneys, more than a third of the current waiting list.
Currently, the Ministry of Health spends almost SR1 billion annually on renal patients inside its hospitals. Each patient costs the government almost SR100,000 a year.
"It will also help in putting an end to the accumulation of the cases inside Saudi hospitals that cost the country a huge amount of money and effort," he said.
The Saudi community lacks awareness of the importance of organ donation, Shaheen said.
In contrast, in the West doctors are even entitled to use the body parts of a deceased donor immediately after his death, without consulting the family, if he elects to become a donor.
There are three million donor cards in Saudi Arabia, but these cannot be used without family's permission of the deceased.
"Here, and according to Shariah, permission of close relatives should be obtained before the use of any body part," he said.
The Saudi Commission of Senior Ulama (scholars) recently permitted tissue and organ transplantation from both living donors and cadavers. The decision marked a new era in organ transplantation in the Kingdom; however, with no crystal-clear Fatwa urging people to donate, the decision has been interpreted in many different ways.
In October 2006, a law was passed in Saudi Arabia to allow and compensate unrelated donors. The government, in cooperation with Prince Fahd Bin Salman Charity, has decided to offer life-long benefits to the donors, including lifetime medical care.
The law aims at stopping Saudi citizens from traveling abroad to Asian countries such to receive organ transplants, which might make them victims of scams or expose them to a variety of health problems.
To regulate live unrelated organ donation without a commercial transaction, Shaheen said, Saudi Arabia formed a committee that meets with the unrelated living donor and interviews him at least three times to make sure that he is donating out of his conscience and with complete willingness - not out of poverty, need or pressure.
The law is now in its final stages, after having been approved by the cabinet. The final stage, he said, is the approval of the Health Service Council chaired by the Minister of Health.
"Our main concern is how to make this new agreement purely altruistic," Shaheen said.
If approved, the law is expected to provide at least 400 kidneys yearly, which will go a long way toward ending organ shortages in the Kingdom, he said.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Women’s Hotline open
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
By Arjuwan Lakkadawala
The Saudi Gaazette
SAUDI women who find themselves troubled, stressed out or at wit's end, now have a place to turn.
Al-Shaka'ik, an organization dedicated to helping women and girls, has created a hotline women can call for guidance and advice.
Women and girls can call 6917799 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Since the hotline opened, it has received 1,162 calls, mostly marital issues or emotional problems.
"One of our primary aims," said Intesar Salam Al-Sabban of Al-Shaka'ik, "is to give girls and women emotional support so that they can feel mentally stable, which is the only way that they can feel happy. "
In addition to the hotline, Al-Shaka'ik also runs a program that teaches girls how to be successful wives, teaching them the tools that are necessary to handle both the small and the large issues that inevitably crop up in marriages. The girls are also taught cooking and home decoration. The organization also offers programs for mothers, teachers and students.
"When a woman is aware of herself and has received the support of others, not only she will profit but society as a whole will profit, as well," said Nora Khalid Al-Saad, an Al-Shaka'ik member.
By Arjuwan Lakkadawala
The Saudi Gaazette
SAUDI women who find themselves troubled, stressed out or at wit's end, now have a place to turn.
Al-Shaka'ik, an organization dedicated to helping women and girls, has created a hotline women can call for guidance and advice.
Women and girls can call 6917799 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Since the hotline opened, it has received 1,162 calls, mostly marital issues or emotional problems.
"One of our primary aims," said Intesar Salam Al-Sabban of Al-Shaka'ik, "is to give girls and women emotional support so that they can feel mentally stable, which is the only way that they can feel happy. "
In addition to the hotline, Al-Shaka'ik also runs a program that teaches girls how to be successful wives, teaching them the tools that are necessary to handle both the small and the large issues that inevitably crop up in marriages. The girls are also taught cooking and home decoration. The organization also offers programs for mothers, teachers and students.
"When a woman is aware of herself and has received the support of others, not only she will profit but society as a whole will profit, as well," said Nora Khalid Al-Saad, an Al-Shaka'ik member.
What does a Saudi woman want in a man?
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
By Sabria S. Jawhar
The Saudi Gazette
Jeddah
Some people say “You don’t know what you want until you see it”. It seems, however, that this is not the situation with Saudi women, especially when it comes to the type of man they are looking for.
What does a Saudi woman want in a man?
To answer this question, the Saudi Gazette interviewed a number of Saudi women whose ages ranged between 21 and 37. Each of the women, though, seemed to be looking for something different. Most of them, however, seem to have given up on their Saudi counterparts, more interested, instead, on looking abroad for love and the qualities they desire in a partner.
Mr. Right, for most of them, is of another Arab or Western nationality. The reasons for giving up Saudi men, however, varied as much as the women’s age groups.
For instance, at the same time that young women like Hawazen Mohammad, 21, a university student, wants a man who is attractive with a jovial nature , others like Shomookh Omar, a 35 teacher, are looking for a man who is appreciative of his wife’s career and more of a partner in daily life.
They all agreed that education, travel, satellite channels and internet have introduced them to a new style of life that is different from what they were used to. They said that now they have points of comparison.
“I am not ready to take any junk just for being Saudi or for the sake of marriage and having children,” Omar said.
Most of the women, though, summarized the characteristics that they want in their man as follows:
A friend
Omar said she wants a man with whom she can discuss every single detail of her life. She does not want him to criticize or prejudge her. She wants him to see the best of her, mainly, her intellect. Put simply. she wants a friend.
“ I don’t care how his body or face look,” Omar said. “ I am an independent woman, so if I like him, I really don't care what my friends or family think.”
Passionate and Romantic
Mona Al Harbi, a 37 year-old teacher, said she does not care about the man’s appearance or even his money. As an independent working woman, she added, all that she cares about is his passion and feelings towards her.
“I want a romantic man who showers me with his sweet words. A man who does not hesitate to cry in front of me. A man that surprises me with even one flower just to say ‘I love you’,” she added.
This does not mean a weak man or with a flaw in his character, she said. On the contrary, she added, I want him to be a "what you see is what you get" type of men.
Loyal
Following a dramatic divorce, Manal Ameen, 33, a private sector employee, has changed her parameters of Mr. Right. She said that she wants a loyal and confident man who is assertive , positive and doesn't dither. She also prefers him to be in his 50s.
“I don’t want him to be sitting next to me and gazing at other women thinking they are better or even different,” she said.
Accept her weirdness
Maha Al Ghamdi, a 21 year-old student, said she wants a guy who accepts her weirdness, loves the crazy moments, and has infinite patience.
“ I want him to be adventurous so that at any moment you would catch us bungee jumping, skiing in Dorat Al Arous or even climbing Taif mountain like monkeys,” she said with a wide smile.
A Loving
Eman Swaileh, a 29 year-old nurse, said she simply wants to be cherished and loved. She wants to demonstrate her love publicly in a way that does not undermine Saudi social traditions, but still shows they are a loving and happy couple.
“ I desire to be encouraged with my dreams, loved for who I am, and adored,” she said. “I want someone who is understanding.”
Overall, she added, she wants a man who will fight for her heart and never stop seeking her love and attention even after marriage. As a nurse and with all the stigma surrounding the profession, she said, she wants a man who will protect her but also let her spread her wings.
“Saudis are pressured by the society around them and can not meet my conditions even if they want to,” she said, “ that’s why I want him to be from any nationality other than Saudi”.
She also expressed readiness to face all the consequences and difficulties that such a marriage would bring, especially at the social and legal level. To find the man she is looking for, she added, she has been mingling and working closely with non-Saudi male colleagues.
“I have never told them about my thoughts because I don’t want to be misjudged or taken advantage of,” she concluded.
Religious
Hanan Abdul Wahid, a 35 year-old teacher, said she wants a man whose behavior is governed by Islamic regulations in every aspect. These days, she said, most of the guys are corrupted and dishonest. Most of them treat their wives like maids.
“If they were following Islamic regulations, they would not have done that to their partners,” she said. “Islam gives women equal rights to men.”
Marrying a religious man, she added, makes a woman at least feel comfortable that she will never be cheated or fooled.
“When a religious man wants another woman he takes the shortest way and gets married to a second wife,” she said. “To know that my husband is married to one good woman is better than sleeping with tens of bad women behind my back.”
Strong personality
Sameera Hassan, a 22 year-old university student, said she wants a man who is a leader by nature, some one who influences everyone he comes in contact with.
“Some guys mix strong personalities with toughness and rudeness, They talk nonsense and think they are making an impression,” she said. “We (girls), sometimes keep silent not because we are impressed but because we believe deep inside that they are a hopeless case so we enjoy watching them being cocky .”
Generous but responsible
Sarah Al Jehani, a 30 year-old social worker, said she doesn’t want a mean man who is expecting her to spend money on him. She wants him to buy her gifts just to tell her that he was thinking of her, not necessarily expensive ones, she added. She wants him to take her to fancy restaurants, particularly on special occasions. She wants him to be proud of her walking next to him, not to walk 10 meters ahead from her.
“When we are in a restaurant and the bill comes, I don’t want him to pretend that he forgot his wallet or to withdraw cash just to force me to pay,” she said.
Yet, to her, it is difficult these days to differentiate the real gentleman from the jerk. They all know perfectly how to act until the girl is dragged into the marriage trap. Some of them, she said, spend like crazy before marriage but once married, he makes his wife pay all the bills including that of his own car .
“I want to pay because I want to, not because I have to,” she added.
Maturity
Abeer Nassar, a 28 year-old teacher, wants a mature man who knows exactly what he wants in life and chooses her accordingly.
“ Maturity is one reason that quite a lot of women find older men attractive,” she said
Abeer has always been attracted to older men despite her young age. Yet she doesn’t want a man who oppresses her or clips her wings under the excuse of maturity.
By Sabria S. Jawhar
The Saudi Gazette
Jeddah
Some people say “You don’t know what you want until you see it”. It seems, however, that this is not the situation with Saudi women, especially when it comes to the type of man they are looking for.
What does a Saudi woman want in a man?
To answer this question, the Saudi Gazette interviewed a number of Saudi women whose ages ranged between 21 and 37. Each of the women, though, seemed to be looking for something different. Most of them, however, seem to have given up on their Saudi counterparts, more interested, instead, on looking abroad for love and the qualities they desire in a partner.
Mr. Right, for most of them, is of another Arab or Western nationality. The reasons for giving up Saudi men, however, varied as much as the women’s age groups.
For instance, at the same time that young women like Hawazen Mohammad, 21, a university student, wants a man who is attractive with a jovial nature , others like Shomookh Omar, a 35 teacher, are looking for a man who is appreciative of his wife’s career and more of a partner in daily life.
They all agreed that education, travel, satellite channels and internet have introduced them to a new style of life that is different from what they were used to. They said that now they have points of comparison.
“I am not ready to take any junk just for being Saudi or for the sake of marriage and having children,” Omar said.
Most of the women, though, summarized the characteristics that they want in their man as follows:
A friend
Omar said she wants a man with whom she can discuss every single detail of her life. She does not want him to criticize or prejudge her. She wants him to see the best of her, mainly, her intellect. Put simply. she wants a friend.
“ I don’t care how his body or face look,” Omar said. “ I am an independent woman, so if I like him, I really don't care what my friends or family think.”
Passionate and Romantic
Mona Al Harbi, a 37 year-old teacher, said she does not care about the man’s appearance or even his money. As an independent working woman, she added, all that she cares about is his passion and feelings towards her.
“I want a romantic man who showers me with his sweet words. A man who does not hesitate to cry in front of me. A man that surprises me with even one flower just to say ‘I love you’,” she added.
This does not mean a weak man or with a flaw in his character, she said. On the contrary, she added, I want him to be a "what you see is what you get" type of men.
Loyal
Following a dramatic divorce, Manal Ameen, 33, a private sector employee, has changed her parameters of Mr. Right. She said that she wants a loyal and confident man who is assertive , positive and doesn't dither. She also prefers him to be in his 50s.
“I don’t want him to be sitting next to me and gazing at other women thinking they are better or even different,” she said.
Accept her weirdness
Maha Al Ghamdi, a 21 year-old student, said she wants a guy who accepts her weirdness, loves the crazy moments, and has infinite patience.
“ I want him to be adventurous so that at any moment you would catch us bungee jumping, skiing in Dorat Al Arous or even climbing Taif mountain like monkeys,” she said with a wide smile.
A Loving
Eman Swaileh, a 29 year-old nurse, said she simply wants to be cherished and loved. She wants to demonstrate her love publicly in a way that does not undermine Saudi social traditions, but still shows they are a loving and happy couple.
“ I desire to be encouraged with my dreams, loved for who I am, and adored,” she said. “I want someone who is understanding.”
Overall, she added, she wants a man who will fight for her heart and never stop seeking her love and attention even after marriage. As a nurse and with all the stigma surrounding the profession, she said, she wants a man who will protect her but also let her spread her wings.
“Saudis are pressured by the society around them and can not meet my conditions even if they want to,” she said, “ that’s why I want him to be from any nationality other than Saudi”.
She also expressed readiness to face all the consequences and difficulties that such a marriage would bring, especially at the social and legal level. To find the man she is looking for, she added, she has been mingling and working closely with non-Saudi male colleagues.
“I have never told them about my thoughts because I don’t want to be misjudged or taken advantage of,” she concluded.
Religious
Hanan Abdul Wahid, a 35 year-old teacher, said she wants a man whose behavior is governed by Islamic regulations in every aspect. These days, she said, most of the guys are corrupted and dishonest. Most of them treat their wives like maids.
“If they were following Islamic regulations, they would not have done that to their partners,” she said. “Islam gives women equal rights to men.”
Marrying a religious man, she added, makes a woman at least feel comfortable that she will never be cheated or fooled.
“When a religious man wants another woman he takes the shortest way and gets married to a second wife,” she said. “To know that my husband is married to one good woman is better than sleeping with tens of bad women behind my back.”
Strong personality
Sameera Hassan, a 22 year-old university student, said she wants a man who is a leader by nature, some one who influences everyone he comes in contact with.
“Some guys mix strong personalities with toughness and rudeness, They talk nonsense and think they are making an impression,” she said. “We (girls), sometimes keep silent not because we are impressed but because we believe deep inside that they are a hopeless case so we enjoy watching them being cocky .”
Generous but responsible
Sarah Al Jehani, a 30 year-old social worker, said she doesn’t want a mean man who is expecting her to spend money on him. She wants him to buy her gifts just to tell her that he was thinking of her, not necessarily expensive ones, she added. She wants him to take her to fancy restaurants, particularly on special occasions. She wants him to be proud of her walking next to him, not to walk 10 meters ahead from her.
“When we are in a restaurant and the bill comes, I don’t want him to pretend that he forgot his wallet or to withdraw cash just to force me to pay,” she said.
Yet, to her, it is difficult these days to differentiate the real gentleman from the jerk. They all know perfectly how to act until the girl is dragged into the marriage trap. Some of them, she said, spend like crazy before marriage but once married, he makes his wife pay all the bills including that of his own car .
“I want to pay because I want to, not because I have to,” she added.
Maturity
Abeer Nassar, a 28 year-old teacher, wants a mature man who knows exactly what he wants in life and chooses her accordingly.
“ Maturity is one reason that quite a lot of women find older men attractive,” she said
Abeer has always been attracted to older men despite her young age. Yet she doesn’t want a man who oppresses her or clips her wings under the excuse of maturity.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Violence inside our schools
Tuesday. April 10.
The Saudi Gazette
Sabria S. Jawhar
Schools should be a safe and secure place not only for students but also for teachers, and staff members. Without the feeling of security, teachers wouldn’t be able to carry out their mission of teaching and shaping their students’ personalities.
However, recently, a series of cases of student violence against teachers have been reported by the local media in a shocking way. Those reports indicate a dramatic increase in violence inside our schools which arise serious concerns about challenges to the authority of teachers and educational institutions.
When intermediate school students, for instance, knock down and kick their teacher inside the class room till he falls unconscious , we have to investigate the reasons and question the environment inside that particular school.
underestimating the phenomenon and calling it “rare”, as some officials from the ministry of education did, is unacceptable. Some officials went as far as looking for excuses and explanations for the students’ bad behavior of assaulting their teachers.
How could they assume that the number of cases is limited while the reality is that we don’t even have figures for them? If they do, why didn’t they reveal them.
What is worse is that those officials failed even to provide concrete measures to prevent violence and protect teachers' authority and educational rights in the future.
They did not even bother themselves condemning it or talking about the possible punishments for that particular group of students.
It is well-known, though, that some directors refuse to report violent incidents inside their schools to education authorities thinking that this would ruin their reputation and make them look bad. But what have we done about those cases that have been already talked about in the media?
Given the long-standing tradition of reverence for teachers and of respect for the institutions of education throughout the Saudi history, those incidents in which students attacked their teachers should be viewed as a major change in both the society and the concept of education. They should not be overlooked and more focus should be placed on conducting scientific research about them. Overlooking and considering them as rare will help in nothing but increasing their occurrence and turning our schools into dangerous places. Speak not about the possible produced generation.
This is not to single out Saudi schools form those in the rest of the world. Actually, in 2006, the number of reported attacks against teachers in England reached 221cases. Roughly, a teacher falls victim to a serious assault every single working day.
Does this mean that we should let those cases go as an international phenomenon? The answer is definitely No.
Our students have to be made to understand that the law applies inside the school gates just the same as outside. It should be clear that violent attacks against teachers are completely unacceptable and must be prosecuted.
We need to take strong action where there's serious violence against teachers. Schools should be given the right to take tough action to remove or prosecute any student who is behaving in an aggressive way.
Sentencing guidelines should be issued to make it a more serious offence to assault school staff inside or outside the establishment.
There should be social workers or psychiatrists in those schools where children seem to be damaged or poorly socialized in order to help them to cope in a school environment.
Teachers should not be the only ones who take the blame for parental failure especially with the absence of effective disciplinary sanctions to support them.
Its true that some teachers are exaggerating in their use of authority the thing that might make children victims of violence and abuse. But this could be attributed to the lack of adequate training to deal with behavior difficulties of students and should call for more training for teachers. Simply the teacher’s power of discipline in our schools should not be a paper tiger.
The Saudi Gazette
Sabria S. Jawhar
Schools should be a safe and secure place not only for students but also for teachers, and staff members. Without the feeling of security, teachers wouldn’t be able to carry out their mission of teaching and shaping their students’ personalities.
However, recently, a series of cases of student violence against teachers have been reported by the local media in a shocking way. Those reports indicate a dramatic increase in violence inside our schools which arise serious concerns about challenges to the authority of teachers and educational institutions.
When intermediate school students, for instance, knock down and kick their teacher inside the class room till he falls unconscious , we have to investigate the reasons and question the environment inside that particular school.
underestimating the phenomenon and calling it “rare”, as some officials from the ministry of education did, is unacceptable. Some officials went as far as looking for excuses and explanations for the students’ bad behavior of assaulting their teachers.
How could they assume that the number of cases is limited while the reality is that we don’t even have figures for them? If they do, why didn’t they reveal them.
What is worse is that those officials failed even to provide concrete measures to prevent violence and protect teachers' authority and educational rights in the future.
They did not even bother themselves condemning it or talking about the possible punishments for that particular group of students.
It is well-known, though, that some directors refuse to report violent incidents inside their schools to education authorities thinking that this would ruin their reputation and make them look bad. But what have we done about those cases that have been already talked about in the media?
Given the long-standing tradition of reverence for teachers and of respect for the institutions of education throughout the Saudi history, those incidents in which students attacked their teachers should be viewed as a major change in both the society and the concept of education. They should not be overlooked and more focus should be placed on conducting scientific research about them. Overlooking and considering them as rare will help in nothing but increasing their occurrence and turning our schools into dangerous places. Speak not about the possible produced generation.
This is not to single out Saudi schools form those in the rest of the world. Actually, in 2006, the number of reported attacks against teachers in England reached 221cases. Roughly, a teacher falls victim to a serious assault every single working day.
Does this mean that we should let those cases go as an international phenomenon? The answer is definitely No.
Our students have to be made to understand that the law applies inside the school gates just the same as outside. It should be clear that violent attacks against teachers are completely unacceptable and must be prosecuted.
We need to take strong action where there's serious violence against teachers. Schools should be given the right to take tough action to remove or prosecute any student who is behaving in an aggressive way.
Sentencing guidelines should be issued to make it a more serious offence to assault school staff inside or outside the establishment.
There should be social workers or psychiatrists in those schools where children seem to be damaged or poorly socialized in order to help them to cope in a school environment.
Teachers should not be the only ones who take the blame for parental failure especially with the absence of effective disciplinary sanctions to support them.
Its true that some teachers are exaggerating in their use of authority the thing that might make children victims of violence and abuse. But this could be attributed to the lack of adequate training to deal with behavior difficulties of students and should call for more training for teachers. Simply the teacher’s power of discipline in our schools should not be a paper tiger.
King offers inspiration, now get the job done
Thusday. April,17.
The Saudi Gazette
Jeddah
Last Sunday, was not just a normal day in the Shoura Council where members meet to discuss governmental systems, statues and performance. It was the annual day when the King reviews about country’s internal and external strategies for the coming year.
King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz’s speech this year was concise and comprehensive. It covered all areas of interest for citizens as well as the world. With wisdom and experience, the King provided the Shoura members with the outlines to define the means to meet the challenges expected in the coming years.
Even the newly emerging problem of nuclear weapons in the region was covered in the speech. The King reiterated the Kingdom’s stand that calls for freeing the region from nuclear weapons while giving every country the right to develop nuclear capability for civilian purposes, within the framework of its international commitments and respect for non-proliferation rules.
The King also created a climate of confidence for business by assuring his support to the growing private sector in a way as to attract more foreign investment. Oil price equilibrium was part of the King’s concern and he assured the world that the Kingdom seeks to achieve fair oil prices in the interest of both producers and consumers.
He confirmed the Shoura Council’s effective participation in the country’s development process. In recent years, the Shoura has enacted a series of regulations to advance the reform process the King has committed himself to. Moreover, they opened their sessions to the public and engaged in monitoring the performance of governmental establishments, thereby introducing the Saudi community to the concept of transparency.
Yet, there are still certain areas where the Shoura was sort of reluctant to take the lead in. For instance, the Shoura failed to discuss some controversial issues such as those related to women driving or having them included as full-fledged members in the Shoura rather than part time consultants.
It also failed to suggest a practical solution to solve or ease the tension of millions of Saudi citizens, whom it supposed to be serving, over the stock market crises that struck early last year.
What’s meant is not criticism of the Shoura but rather, what the council and the other government establishments should learn from the King’s speech.
I believe that any issue that Shoura discuss in future should be inspired by the King’s speech that reflected respect for dialogue and negotiation in a spirit of community solidarity.
His words about sustainable development, uprooting terrorism, goals of the Millennium and the coming phase of growth should be the base upon which officials work in the coming years. They have to avoid rushed or unstudied decisions that feed tension and resentments, fire passions, and give free rein to all those who proclaim ideologies of violence and confrontation.
The King did not exclude women throughout his speech and talked about the citizen in general, as a genderless concept. This means that we have to overcome our fears and be serious bout including women as active members in our social and political life.
The King’s use of a neutral term implies that both genders are included, without any of the discrimination or reservation some officials impose in implementation of decrees simply because they are victims of social perception and pressure.
The fact that the King’s speech was preceded by a decision to hire the first Saudi female as a president of a university to join the 18 male members of the Council of Higher Education, will help create a remarkable climate of confidence in the Saudi woman’s ability not only to manage her own affairs but also to lead minds.
Having a woman as part of the body entrusted with education policy is a deep message to those who question women’s ability. So it goes by default that if we trust women with formulating the policies to shape future generations, we have to trust their judgment on other issues.
It’s time for the Shoura Council to intensify its discussions and efforts to encourage the community to shoulder its responsibilities, in particular regarding statues on women. I am referring, in particular, to broadening their participation in decision making at all levels, which requires urgent mobilization of the King’s innovative mechanisms of introducing a new image for the Saudi woman.
The Saudi Gazette
Jeddah
Last Sunday, was not just a normal day in the Shoura Council where members meet to discuss governmental systems, statues and performance. It was the annual day when the King reviews about country’s internal and external strategies for the coming year.
King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz’s speech this year was concise and comprehensive. It covered all areas of interest for citizens as well as the world. With wisdom and experience, the King provided the Shoura members with the outlines to define the means to meet the challenges expected in the coming years.
Even the newly emerging problem of nuclear weapons in the region was covered in the speech. The King reiterated the Kingdom’s stand that calls for freeing the region from nuclear weapons while giving every country the right to develop nuclear capability for civilian purposes, within the framework of its international commitments and respect for non-proliferation rules.
The King also created a climate of confidence for business by assuring his support to the growing private sector in a way as to attract more foreign investment. Oil price equilibrium was part of the King’s concern and he assured the world that the Kingdom seeks to achieve fair oil prices in the interest of both producers and consumers.
He confirmed the Shoura Council’s effective participation in the country’s development process. In recent years, the Shoura has enacted a series of regulations to advance the reform process the King has committed himself to. Moreover, they opened their sessions to the public and engaged in monitoring the performance of governmental establishments, thereby introducing the Saudi community to the concept of transparency.
Yet, there are still certain areas where the Shoura was sort of reluctant to take the lead in. For instance, the Shoura failed to discuss some controversial issues such as those related to women driving or having them included as full-fledged members in the Shoura rather than part time consultants.
It also failed to suggest a practical solution to solve or ease the tension of millions of Saudi citizens, whom it supposed to be serving, over the stock market crises that struck early last year.
What’s meant is not criticism of the Shoura but rather, what the council and the other government establishments should learn from the King’s speech.
I believe that any issue that Shoura discuss in future should be inspired by the King’s speech that reflected respect for dialogue and negotiation in a spirit of community solidarity.
His words about sustainable development, uprooting terrorism, goals of the Millennium and the coming phase of growth should be the base upon which officials work in the coming years. They have to avoid rushed or unstudied decisions that feed tension and resentments, fire passions, and give free rein to all those who proclaim ideologies of violence and confrontation.
The King did not exclude women throughout his speech and talked about the citizen in general, as a genderless concept. This means that we have to overcome our fears and be serious bout including women as active members in our social and political life.
The King’s use of a neutral term implies that both genders are included, without any of the discrimination or reservation some officials impose in implementation of decrees simply because they are victims of social perception and pressure.
The fact that the King’s speech was preceded by a decision to hire the first Saudi female as a president of a university to join the 18 male members of the Council of Higher Education, will help create a remarkable climate of confidence in the Saudi woman’s ability not only to manage her own affairs but also to lead minds.
Having a woman as part of the body entrusted with education policy is a deep message to those who question women’s ability. So it goes by default that if we trust women with formulating the policies to shape future generations, we have to trust their judgment on other issues.
It’s time for the Shoura Council to intensify its discussions and efforts to encourage the community to shoulder its responsibilities, in particular regarding statues on women. I am referring, in particular, to broadening their participation in decision making at all levels, which requires urgent mobilization of the King’s innovative mechanisms of introducing a new image for the Saudi woman.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Khamis Girl Pardoned
Khamis Girl Pardoned
Friday, 13 April 2007
The Saudi Gazette
KHAMIS MUSHAYT
The eight-year saga of a woman who had been jailed for murder in Khamis Mushayt came to a happy ending on Thursday when the family of the victim agreed to spare her life after vigorous mediation efforts.
Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz and Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the Emir of Asir Region, were at the forefront of the mediators to talk the victim’s family into sparing the life of the woman, known as Samira.
Hussein Bin Said Bin Mushait, the chief of the Shahrani tribe, called the elders of the tribes dwelling in the southern region to his home early on Thursday morning, as is the norm in tribal common law, and embarked on helping the family of the victim and that of Samira’s.
The victim’s family agreed to spare her life on the condition that 50 of her family would swear that they had not been involved in her crime, among other things, as a precondition to sign the document of final concession.
However, the family of the victim later decided to go one better: They spared Samira’s tribe the burden to take the oath, but said that only the immediate families of Samira and her husband should swear that they never participated in the murder or knew about it at the time.
Early birds
The tribal delegations began to flock to Bin Mushait’s house early on Thursday morning, coming from all over the southern region. First to arriver were the elders and dignitaries of the tribes. They were later shown in the so-called “round table of right,” a tribal tradition used to discuss and settle all kinds of disputes.
Said Bin Ahmed Al-Shahrani, director of the Scientific Institute in Khamis Mushait, started with a brief speech in which he asked Samira’s family for forgiveness and tolerance.
Then, Bin Mushait responded with his own speech.
“All hopes and aspirations are aimed at forgiveness for the daughter of the Murait family,” he said. “The dignitaries and elders of the (Asir) region have made their utmost efforts to bring about a pardon for her, and it was meant to happen on the hands of a man of honor and generosity – Crown Prince Sultan. His efforts were not in vain with the follow-up of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.”
Dhafer Bin Khulais, a member of the victim’s tribe, responded with a speech on behalf of his tribe, in which he announced the tribe’s pardon to Samira.
“We are honored and grateful to God today for his blessing, as we are happy to announce to you that we have pardoned the killer (Samira) of our late brother, Khaled Bin Mohammed Al Khulais.”
He then heaped praise on Crown Prince Sultan for his efforts to bring the two families together.
“You are a man of honor and a glorious pedigree, a prince of hearts in times of plight, and we shall not forget your effort. You have helped us find forgiveness and closure in our hearts.”
He said that the tribe had many reasons before to refuse granting pardon to Samira, mainly fear that this will cause sedition.
In their own speeches, a number of tribal dignitaries thanked Samira’s family for their generous gesture and Crown Prince Sultan and Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for their efforts to bring about closure to what had been a lengthy and protracted case.
Sleepless Samira
In cell block 3 of the prison, Samira had been too nervous to get any sleep for the two days prior to the fateful – and fruitful – tribal meeting on Thursday.
A psychologist was called in from Abha Hospital on Wednesday night to keep her company and comfort her with some medication.
Samira, dubbed the Khamis Girl, had been behind bars in the Abha Jail for more than eight years after she had been convicted of the murder of Khaled Al Khulais when she was in her late teens.
Samira has a high school education, is married, and has nine brothers and two sisters.
Even though there had been a lot of speculation about her motives, evidence seemed to back up her story that she killed the victim in defense of her honor.
Samira confessed in an official affidavit that she had killed Al Khulais and dumped his corpse in a garbage container, after cutting the body to pieces and wrapping it in a blanket.
She told investigators that the victim had been stalking her even after she got married, and when she got fed up with his advances, she lured him and murdered him after he refused to back off in response to her pleas.
The victim’s family said they would not bury the body until she was executed. They claimed that Samira could not have acted alone, but used the aid of accomplices from her own family, something which she and her family vehemently denied.
Controversy
Samira’s story has generated substantial controversy in the Kingdom and abroad. She had been sentenced to death after having been convicted of the murder of Khaled Al Khulais. Many Western commentators were critical of the ruling, and some human rights groups called it a violation of human rights.
Even a Web site was dedicated to her, with more than 4,500 members calling for her pardon, which added to the considerable sympathy among Saudis towards her. Site moderators say that the site has received more than a million hits from 75 countries, and 61 international law groups were involved in the site.
Amid the controversy, some people involved in the legal system in the Kingdom called for a written criminal law, basing their opinions on the vagueness with which the western media handled Samira’s case and the misinformed opinions generated there.
Some judiciary groups said they went to great lengths to shed light on the human element in the case.
“We’ve gone out of our way to talk the victim’s family into foregoing their right, but they refused,” said Thurayya Al-Shaikh, a member of the Saudi National Society for Human Rights. “Dignitaries have also failed, and now, I don’t think anyone can stop the court’s decision unless the victim’s family agrees.”
Friday, 13 April 2007
The Saudi Gazette
KHAMIS MUSHAYT
The eight-year saga of a woman who had been jailed for murder in Khamis Mushayt came to a happy ending on Thursday when the family of the victim agreed to spare her life after vigorous mediation efforts.
Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz and Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the Emir of Asir Region, were at the forefront of the mediators to talk the victim’s family into sparing the life of the woman, known as Samira.
Hussein Bin Said Bin Mushait, the chief of the Shahrani tribe, called the elders of the tribes dwelling in the southern region to his home early on Thursday morning, as is the norm in tribal common law, and embarked on helping the family of the victim and that of Samira’s.
The victim’s family agreed to spare her life on the condition that 50 of her family would swear that they had not been involved in her crime, among other things, as a precondition to sign the document of final concession.
However, the family of the victim later decided to go one better: They spared Samira’s tribe the burden to take the oath, but said that only the immediate families of Samira and her husband should swear that they never participated in the murder or knew about it at the time.
Early birds
The tribal delegations began to flock to Bin Mushait’s house early on Thursday morning, coming from all over the southern region. First to arriver were the elders and dignitaries of the tribes. They were later shown in the so-called “round table of right,” a tribal tradition used to discuss and settle all kinds of disputes.
Said Bin Ahmed Al-Shahrani, director of the Scientific Institute in Khamis Mushait, started with a brief speech in which he asked Samira’s family for forgiveness and tolerance.
Then, Bin Mushait responded with his own speech.
“All hopes and aspirations are aimed at forgiveness for the daughter of the Murait family,” he said. “The dignitaries and elders of the (Asir) region have made their utmost efforts to bring about a pardon for her, and it was meant to happen on the hands of a man of honor and generosity – Crown Prince Sultan. His efforts were not in vain with the follow-up of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.”
Dhafer Bin Khulais, a member of the victim’s tribe, responded with a speech on behalf of his tribe, in which he announced the tribe’s pardon to Samira.
“We are honored and grateful to God today for his blessing, as we are happy to announce to you that we have pardoned the killer (Samira) of our late brother, Khaled Bin Mohammed Al Khulais.”
He then heaped praise on Crown Prince Sultan for his efforts to bring the two families together.
“You are a man of honor and a glorious pedigree, a prince of hearts in times of plight, and we shall not forget your effort. You have helped us find forgiveness and closure in our hearts.”
He said that the tribe had many reasons before to refuse granting pardon to Samira, mainly fear that this will cause sedition.
In their own speeches, a number of tribal dignitaries thanked Samira’s family for their generous gesture and Crown Prince Sultan and Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for their efforts to bring about closure to what had been a lengthy and protracted case.
Sleepless Samira
In cell block 3 of the prison, Samira had been too nervous to get any sleep for the two days prior to the fateful – and fruitful – tribal meeting on Thursday.
A psychologist was called in from Abha Hospital on Wednesday night to keep her company and comfort her with some medication.
Samira, dubbed the Khamis Girl, had been behind bars in the Abha Jail for more than eight years after she had been convicted of the murder of Khaled Al Khulais when she was in her late teens.
Samira has a high school education, is married, and has nine brothers and two sisters.
Even though there had been a lot of speculation about her motives, evidence seemed to back up her story that she killed the victim in defense of her honor.
Samira confessed in an official affidavit that she had killed Al Khulais and dumped his corpse in a garbage container, after cutting the body to pieces and wrapping it in a blanket.
She told investigators that the victim had been stalking her even after she got married, and when she got fed up with his advances, she lured him and murdered him after he refused to back off in response to her pleas.
The victim’s family said they would not bury the body until she was executed. They claimed that Samira could not have acted alone, but used the aid of accomplices from her own family, something which she and her family vehemently denied.
Controversy
Samira’s story has generated substantial controversy in the Kingdom and abroad. She had been sentenced to death after having been convicted of the murder of Khaled Al Khulais. Many Western commentators were critical of the ruling, and some human rights groups called it a violation of human rights.
Even a Web site was dedicated to her, with more than 4,500 members calling for her pardon, which added to the considerable sympathy among Saudis towards her. Site moderators say that the site has received more than a million hits from 75 countries, and 61 international law groups were involved in the site.
Amid the controversy, some people involved in the legal system in the Kingdom called for a written criminal law, basing their opinions on the vagueness with which the western media handled Samira’s case and the misinformed opinions generated there.
Some judiciary groups said they went to great lengths to shed light on the human element in the case.
“We’ve gone out of our way to talk the victim’s family into foregoing their right, but they refused,” said Thurayya Al-Shaikh, a member of the Saudi National Society for Human Rights. “Dignitaries have also failed, and now, I don’t think anyone can stop the court’s decision unless the victim’s family agrees.”
Saudi Divorce Rate Growing
Monday, 16 April 2007
By Suzan Zawawi
The Saudi Gazette
ALTHOUGH yet to attain the heights of Western divorce rates, Saudi Arabia has seen a divorce rate of some 20 percent in the last couple of years. Translated into real numbers, this means that 33 Saudi women get divorced daily.
"This frightening rise in the divorce rate," said Nora Al-Shamlan, head of the Research Center at King Saud Girls College, "is the result of couples' ill-preparedness for marriage and its responsibilities."
The answer, claimed Al Shamlan, who organized a three-day seminar to discuss the reasons behind the sudden rise in divorce, is to offer marriage preparation courses. And there are many others who support that view.
"We can reduce the divorce rate by 30-60 percent by conducting such courses," according to Sheikh Salman Al-Oda, a prominent and popular Islamic scholar. "Take Malaysia, for example. They started pre-marriage counseling and seminars and the divorce rate plummeted."
Without frank talk about marriage and sexuality in the home and at school, Saudi youth resort to the media for pertinent information.
"They have no choice but to learn from the media," said Ghada Al-Tureef.
Al-Tureef also cited a study that showed that a full 78 percent of Saudi youth not only learn about marital relations from the media, but they are also basing their expectations for their own lives from the media.
There are a variety of problems that stem from youth basing their lives on media images, the most obvious being that so much of the media to which Saudi youth are exposed is Western in origin and not relevant in the supposed reality it portrays.
In another study conducted by Al-Jawaher Al-Zamil, Professor of Social Studies at King Saud University, two out of 3 of the males interviewed said that the media plays a big role in defining what an Arab family means.
"If the media has been changing the perception of what marriage and a family mean then we have a big problem. Just look at the many different channels and programs that are being transmitted into our living rooms."
In order to counteract the negative aspects of the media, Tureef called on the individual elements of a young person's world to unite in preparing Saudi youth for adulthood.
"The mosque, Friday sermons, the school curriculum and the family can become more active," she said.
After all is said and done, it does take a village.
Better preparation for adult life and marriage could, indeed, stem the spiraling divorce rate in the Kingdom. In her presentation to the conference, Al Zamil cited her study that showed 43 percent of Saudi marriages suffering from neglect, violence, constant arguments and/or one spouse dominating the other.
"This is a result of many couples being emotionally detached but remaining married for the sake of their children, or social prestige and social pressure," according to Al-Zamil.
On the other hand, Al-Zamil said, all is not lost for Saudi couples as a number of indicators show Saudi marriages and childrearing in a reasonably healthy state.
A full 57 percent of Saudi couples polled by Al-Zamil indicated that they were living a good marriage with love and understanding prevailing. Al Zamil also said that th e majority of families give their children greater leeway in choosing a future spouse.
"This is a positive social change, probably the result of lessons learned from previous forced marriages," she concluded.
STATISTICS
65% of divorcees aged 18-35.
46% of divorces took place during the first three years of marriage.
41% of divorced women were house wives
25% of divorced couples lived with husband's family.
75% of husbands believed they acted too hastily.
45% of divorced men would return to their wife.
40% of divorcees hold BA's, 23% high school graduates 4% higher education
44% marital problems started at the end of the first year of marriage.
Ministry of Justice statistics:
With 60% divorce rate, the Eastern Province witnessed 60% divorce rate in 2005, the highest.
King Fahd Bridge to Bahrain was attributed to be the reason for the highest divorce rate in the Eastern Province (60%). Husbands go to Bahrain for the nightlife, where alcohol is served legally and men and women mingle freely.
Riyadh came second place with 50% divorce rate
Tabuk 29% divorce
Madinah 16%
Makkah 15%
Baha the lowest with 9 % divorce rate
Reasons for divorce
He Said:
1-Family interference.
2-Wife unable or unwilling to take up her share of the responsibilities.
3-Wife's employment.
4- Wife not staying at home, visiting her family, going out with friends too often.
5- Constant criticism by wife.
6- Wife's stubbornness.
She Said:
1- Physical or mental abuse.
2- Another women, a second wife, an affair, or the maid.
3- Husband's weak religious beliefs and practices.
4- Husband not taking up financial and family obligations.
5- The influence of satellite channels, Internet chatting and pornography.
6- Husbands stingy and gold-diggers
Marriage comes in different forms
Thinking of marriage?
You first need to decide what type of marriage suits you the most.
Besides traditional marriage, there are different types of marriages to chose from.
Misyar
A marriage of convenience. It is a legal marriage but both the bride and groom place pre-marriage conditions which mostly consist of the woman relinquishing her right to be financially supported by the husband and her right for him to reside with her in her home.
Other popular conditions consist of not bearing children and keeping the marriage a secret usually from the groom's family and first wife and kids.
Orfi
This type of marriage comes in three forms: undocumented marriage, a woman marries without the consent of her legal guardian.
Misfar
This new type of marriage was in news last month when the Deputy Minister of Higher Education Abdullah Al-Mojel announced that all female scholarship students must travel with a male relative.
This is a legal marriage, the only condition is that the wife will be traveling to continue her education and that the husband would be traveling with her as per the ministry's new regulations.
By Suzan Zawawi
The Saudi Gazette
ALTHOUGH yet to attain the heights of Western divorce rates, Saudi Arabia has seen a divorce rate of some 20 percent in the last couple of years. Translated into real numbers, this means that 33 Saudi women get divorced daily.
"This frightening rise in the divorce rate," said Nora Al-Shamlan, head of the Research Center at King Saud Girls College, "is the result of couples' ill-preparedness for marriage and its responsibilities."
The answer, claimed Al Shamlan, who organized a three-day seminar to discuss the reasons behind the sudden rise in divorce, is to offer marriage preparation courses. And there are many others who support that view.
"We can reduce the divorce rate by 30-60 percent by conducting such courses," according to Sheikh Salman Al-Oda, a prominent and popular Islamic scholar. "Take Malaysia, for example. They started pre-marriage counseling and seminars and the divorce rate plummeted."
Without frank talk about marriage and sexuality in the home and at school, Saudi youth resort to the media for pertinent information.
"They have no choice but to learn from the media," said Ghada Al-Tureef.
Al-Tureef also cited a study that showed that a full 78 percent of Saudi youth not only learn about marital relations from the media, but they are also basing their expectations for their own lives from the media.
There are a variety of problems that stem from youth basing their lives on media images, the most obvious being that so much of the media to which Saudi youth are exposed is Western in origin and not relevant in the supposed reality it portrays.
In another study conducted by Al-Jawaher Al-Zamil, Professor of Social Studies at King Saud University, two out of 3 of the males interviewed said that the media plays a big role in defining what an Arab family means.
"If the media has been changing the perception of what marriage and a family mean then we have a big problem. Just look at the many different channels and programs that are being transmitted into our living rooms."
In order to counteract the negative aspects of the media, Tureef called on the individual elements of a young person's world to unite in preparing Saudi youth for adulthood.
"The mosque, Friday sermons, the school curriculum and the family can become more active," she said.
After all is said and done, it does take a village.
Better preparation for adult life and marriage could, indeed, stem the spiraling divorce rate in the Kingdom. In her presentation to the conference, Al Zamil cited her study that showed 43 percent of Saudi marriages suffering from neglect, violence, constant arguments and/or one spouse dominating the other.
"This is a result of many couples being emotionally detached but remaining married for the sake of their children, or social prestige and social pressure," according to Al-Zamil.
On the other hand, Al-Zamil said, all is not lost for Saudi couples as a number of indicators show Saudi marriages and childrearing in a reasonably healthy state.
A full 57 percent of Saudi couples polled by Al-Zamil indicated that they were living a good marriage with love and understanding prevailing. Al Zamil also said that th e majority of families give their children greater leeway in choosing a future spouse.
"This is a positive social change, probably the result of lessons learned from previous forced marriages," she concluded.
STATISTICS
65% of divorcees aged 18-35.
46% of divorces took place during the first three years of marriage.
41% of divorced women were house wives
25% of divorced couples lived with husband's family.
75% of husbands believed they acted too hastily.
45% of divorced men would return to their wife.
40% of divorcees hold BA's, 23% high school graduates 4% higher education
44% marital problems started at the end of the first year of marriage.
Ministry of Justice statistics:
With 60% divorce rate, the Eastern Province witnessed 60% divorce rate in 2005, the highest.
King Fahd Bridge to Bahrain was attributed to be the reason for the highest divorce rate in the Eastern Province (60%). Husbands go to Bahrain for the nightlife, where alcohol is served legally and men and women mingle freely.
Riyadh came second place with 50% divorce rate
Tabuk 29% divorce
Madinah 16%
Makkah 15%
Baha the lowest with 9 % divorce rate
Reasons for divorce
He Said:
1-Family interference.
2-Wife unable or unwilling to take up her share of the responsibilities.
3-Wife's employment.
4- Wife not staying at home, visiting her family, going out with friends too often.
5- Constant criticism by wife.
6- Wife's stubbornness.
She Said:
1- Physical or mental abuse.
2- Another women, a second wife, an affair, or the maid.
3- Husband's weak religious beliefs and practices.
4- Husband not taking up financial and family obligations.
5- The influence of satellite channels, Internet chatting and pornography.
6- Husbands stingy and gold-diggers
Marriage comes in different forms
Thinking of marriage?
You first need to decide what type of marriage suits you the most.
Besides traditional marriage, there are different types of marriages to chose from.
Misyar
A marriage of convenience. It is a legal marriage but both the bride and groom place pre-marriage conditions which mostly consist of the woman relinquishing her right to be financially supported by the husband and her right for him to reside with her in her home.
Other popular conditions consist of not bearing children and keeping the marriage a secret usually from the groom's family and first wife and kids.
Orfi
This type of marriage comes in three forms: undocumented marriage, a woman marries without the consent of her legal guardian.
Misfar
This new type of marriage was in news last month when the Deputy Minister of Higher Education Abdullah Al-Mojel announced that all female scholarship students must travel with a male relative.
This is a legal marriage, the only condition is that the wife will be traveling to continue her education and that the husband would be traveling with her as per the ministry's new regulations.
Saudi Divorse Cases on the Rise
Monday, 16 April 2007
By Suzan Zawawi
The Saudi Gazette
SOME 33 Saudi women are getting divorced every day in the Kingdom, resulting in nearly 1,000 new divorcees monthly, studies show.
The skyrocketing divorce rate shocked Nora Al-Shamlan, head of the Reserarch Center at King Saud Girls college, so much that she organized a three-day seminar in Riyadh recently to address the state of Saudi marriage.
Numerous speakers took to the dais to present papers full of statistics and studies that depict an institution - marriage - in turmoil, but one that is still far from its precarious position in the West.
The overall conclusion of the conference was that a lack of preparation for marriage was the biggest hurdle faced by young couples tying the knot for the first time. A variety of reasons were offered for this lack preparation that some contended led to a lack of realistic expectations for marriage and adult life.
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, mass media took the biggest hit, with many speakers pointing to the proliferation of TV shows which do not reflect traditional, local values as a principle culprit.
Most dismaying, perhaps, was the contention in one study that 78 percent of Saudi youth rely on mass media for their sex education.
"Because the school curriculum does not address senstitive issues such as sexual education, it leaves Saudi youth with no choice but to learn about such things from the media.
Fifty-two percent get that education from TV; 38 percent get it from the Internet; 7 percent get it from newspapers; and 3 percent rely on the radio.
Additionally, one study showed Saudi youth get their ideas about family from the media, as well. One widely supported approach to stemming the surging tide of divorce was the implementation of pre-marriage courses, designed to prepare newlyweds for the ups and downs of married life. One speaker pointed to Malaysia as an example of a Muslim country that implemented such courses and succeeded in greatly reducing its divorce rates.
Not all was bad news, however, as 53 percent of married Saudis in one study claimed to be in stable marriages that celebrated mutual understanding on the parts of both spouses.
By Suzan Zawawi
The Saudi Gazette
SOME 33 Saudi women are getting divorced every day in the Kingdom, resulting in nearly 1,000 new divorcees monthly, studies show.
The skyrocketing divorce rate shocked Nora Al-Shamlan, head of the Reserarch Center at King Saud Girls college, so much that she organized a three-day seminar in Riyadh recently to address the state of Saudi marriage.
Numerous speakers took to the dais to present papers full of statistics and studies that depict an institution - marriage - in turmoil, but one that is still far from its precarious position in the West.
The overall conclusion of the conference was that a lack of preparation for marriage was the biggest hurdle faced by young couples tying the knot for the first time. A variety of reasons were offered for this lack preparation that some contended led to a lack of realistic expectations for marriage and adult life.
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, mass media took the biggest hit, with many speakers pointing to the proliferation of TV shows which do not reflect traditional, local values as a principle culprit.
Most dismaying, perhaps, was the contention in one study that 78 percent of Saudi youth rely on mass media for their sex education.
"Because the school curriculum does not address senstitive issues such as sexual education, it leaves Saudi youth with no choice but to learn about such things from the media.
Fifty-two percent get that education from TV; 38 percent get it from the Internet; 7 percent get it from newspapers; and 3 percent rely on the radio.
Additionally, one study showed Saudi youth get their ideas about family from the media, as well. One widely supported approach to stemming the surging tide of divorce was the implementation of pre-marriage courses, designed to prepare newlyweds for the ups and downs of married life. One speaker pointed to Malaysia as an example of a Muslim country that implemented such courses and succeeded in greatly reducing its divorce rates.
Not all was bad news, however, as 53 percent of married Saudis in one study claimed to be in stable marriages that celebrated mutual understanding on the parts of both spouses.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The Commission is Going Scientific
Tuesday, 03 April 2007
By Sabria S Jawhar
The Saudi Gazette
IN the absence of scientific data to gauge public opinion, such as from surveys and polls, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice utilizes a new approach to evaluate its members' field performance.
Al-Madina newspaper this week published a report that aroused my admiration for the commission's new strategy to deal with both the rapid social and economic changes in Saudi Arabia today.
The report was about a study carried out by the Institute of Research and Consultation Services at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. The study is aimed at identifying the problems the Commission's members (mutawwas) face on field assignments and the reasons behind them.
It also tackles what they are supposed to be doing, how they are doing it and the efficiency of the new communicative approaches they are adopting as a step towards improving general performance.
The two-year-long study is divided into two parts: theoretical and experimental. It covers 240 commission members, 65 heads or directors of the commission's branches, 390 members of other related government establishments, and 2,600 citizens.
The study also examines important areas such as preparation, selection and training of staff. Such a study might be perceived as a "so what?" or a "must," but, as I always maintain, knowing the background of a problem helps to better understand it and, in this case, shows the value of such an initiative taken by the Commission.
The dramatic social and economic developments of late in Saudi Arabia have visibly opened gaps in the society, especially between the new generation that represents more than 60 percent of the population and the Commission that works to make sure that everyone adheres to Islamic values.
The reason can be summarized in the two sides' different perceptions of the rapid social changes. The youngsters believe they have the right to be their age in public and wear what they want while the Commission's members perceive this as un-Islamic and mimicking the West; therefore, they try their best to keep it to a minimum if not totally stop it.
The youngsters believe that what the members of the Commission are calling for would make them lag far behind the social and economic changes taking place in the world around them.
Disputes arising from such misunderstandings seemed to be behind the Ministry of Interior's decree that those arrested for moral offenses should be handed over straight to the public prosecutors instead of the religious police.
Awareness of some moderate members of the Commission of the increasing local and international criticism of their role has brought about more scientific approaches in their dealings with the public. A number of programs were introduced aimed at educating and training the Commission's members. Last month, for instance, the Commission conducted training courses to familiarize 375 of its members with cyber technology to help monitor moral offenses The program included a study on the proliferation of cyber culture with particular focus on computer-related offenses and how to detect and deal with them, as well as specialized training courses to obtain the ICDL (International Computer Driving License).
Prior to this, the Commission launched a training and orientation program on the rules of Fiqh (jurisprudence). The program was accompanied by workshops to introduce the criminal procedures system and demonstrate how the mutawwas should deal with the public in view of the recent developments, including the good manners to be shown during an assignment.
Even the ways they should deal with non-Muslim tourists were recently discussed between the Supreme Commission of Tourism and the mutawwas.
All these reflect a change in the commission's strategy and a tendency towards moderation. It also reflects coordination with other authorities in line with the country's general policy of openness. Within those broad scientific mechanisms designed to bolster efficiency, exist the seeds of a real understanding of the Commission's social and religious role. This understanding, if fostered, would minimize conflict and increase acceptance of the real vital role it should be playing to strike a balance between culture and identity on one hand and openness on the other. This would also minimize the outside pressure on the Saudi Government in this regard.
By Sabria S Jawhar
The Saudi Gazette
IN the absence of scientific data to gauge public opinion, such as from surveys and polls, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice utilizes a new approach to evaluate its members' field performance.
Al-Madina newspaper this week published a report that aroused my admiration for the commission's new strategy to deal with both the rapid social and economic changes in Saudi Arabia today.
The report was about a study carried out by the Institute of Research and Consultation Services at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. The study is aimed at identifying the problems the Commission's members (mutawwas) face on field assignments and the reasons behind them.
It also tackles what they are supposed to be doing, how they are doing it and the efficiency of the new communicative approaches they are adopting as a step towards improving general performance.
The two-year-long study is divided into two parts: theoretical and experimental. It covers 240 commission members, 65 heads or directors of the commission's branches, 390 members of other related government establishments, and 2,600 citizens.
The study also examines important areas such as preparation, selection and training of staff. Such a study might be perceived as a "so what?" or a "must," but, as I always maintain, knowing the background of a problem helps to better understand it and, in this case, shows the value of such an initiative taken by the Commission.
The dramatic social and economic developments of late in Saudi Arabia have visibly opened gaps in the society, especially between the new generation that represents more than 60 percent of the population and the Commission that works to make sure that everyone adheres to Islamic values.
The reason can be summarized in the two sides' different perceptions of the rapid social changes. The youngsters believe they have the right to be their age in public and wear what they want while the Commission's members perceive this as un-Islamic and mimicking the West; therefore, they try their best to keep it to a minimum if not totally stop it.
The youngsters believe that what the members of the Commission are calling for would make them lag far behind the social and economic changes taking place in the world around them.
Disputes arising from such misunderstandings seemed to be behind the Ministry of Interior's decree that those arrested for moral offenses should be handed over straight to the public prosecutors instead of the religious police.
Awareness of some moderate members of the Commission of the increasing local and international criticism of their role has brought about more scientific approaches in their dealings with the public. A number of programs were introduced aimed at educating and training the Commission's members. Last month, for instance, the Commission conducted training courses to familiarize 375 of its members with cyber technology to help monitor moral offenses The program included a study on the proliferation of cyber culture with particular focus on computer-related offenses and how to detect and deal with them, as well as specialized training courses to obtain the ICDL (International Computer Driving License).
Prior to this, the Commission launched a training and orientation program on the rules of Fiqh (jurisprudence). The program was accompanied by workshops to introduce the criminal procedures system and demonstrate how the mutawwas should deal with the public in view of the recent developments, including the good manners to be shown during an assignment.
Even the ways they should deal with non-Muslim tourists were recently discussed between the Supreme Commission of Tourism and the mutawwas.
All these reflect a change in the commission's strategy and a tendency towards moderation. It also reflects coordination with other authorities in line with the country's general policy of openness. Within those broad scientific mechanisms designed to bolster efficiency, exist the seeds of a real understanding of the Commission's social and religious role. This understanding, if fostered, would minimize conflict and increase acceptance of the real vital role it should be playing to strike a balance between culture and identity on one hand and openness on the other. This would also minimize the outside pressure on the Saudi Government in this regard.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Here's What Saudis Want
Sabria S. Jawhar
The Saudi Gazette
ON Thursday King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz announced that the Saudi Cabinet would be retained unchanged. He also extended the tenures of various advisers and heads of government departments.
The announcement came as a surprise for local and international media especially following much speculation of major changes. Some people misread the speculation as a sign of reluctance in some quarters of Saudi society to pursue the comprehensive reforms encouraged by the King since he was crown prince.
The decision to retain all the ministers in their posts was a smart move by the King. Most of the ministers were appointed at a time when the region was suffering the consequences of the two Gulf wars, including a long period of low oil prices in the 1990s that froze most of the development projects in the country.
It was a time when the parameter for success was assessed according to the ability of ministries to work at full potential while keeping infrastructure development plans to a minimum. Ministerial performance during this period varied dramatically. Some carried out the job successfully and maximized performance with whatever was available to them – Ali Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum, for instance, who has emerged over the past 12 years as the most influential minister in OPEC. Some others lost control of their ministries, which gave rise to bribery and corruption. More recent appointees found insufficient time to prove themselves and to implement their long-term plans.
Today, Saudi Arabia is at the peak of both economic and prosperity and political stability. By retaining the Cabinet, King Abdullah is giving the ministers a real chance to take action and prove themselves.
The recently approved bill on a national strategy to promote honesty and combat corruption will be the framework that governs ministerial performance in the coming term. The anti-graft law, recommended by the Shoura Council, calls for enhancing cooperation among government authorities to combat corruption in all its forms.
The new law allows the government to hold accountable those who have shown carelessness or dishonesty in carrying out their duties of office. At the same time, it protects those who are honest to their country.
The King’s trust in his ministers should be met by gratitude and sincerity. Their reappointment should trigger implementation of a larger number of social and economic projects across the country. It should lead to an end to bureaucratic red tape and prompt action on pending projects, especially considering that the world is fast moving ahead.
From now on, officials and citizens should work hand in hand to accomplish the King’s dream of taking our country to progress with transparency and accountability as its guidelines. At the social level, ministers should do more to strengthen the community’s fabric so that no one breaks through and hijacks our peaceful country to turn it into a breeding nest for terrorism.
More job opportunities should be created for male and female graduates, with no differences whatsoever because society is like a bird that cannot fly with one wing. More emphasis should be placed on women’s empowerment even if it means introducing the quota system in our establishments.
The country’s economy should also be protected from those who have been playing with the nation’s treasure under the umbrella of the so-called “stock market.” The market should be closely watched and monitored in order to control prices. Our society has become a huge experimental laboratory for international companies.
We should improve our education system to match the developed countries instead of wasting our money on schools that have produced nothing but failures. Our students are not good even for our local labor market, not to speak of the international one.
We want a good infrastructure in all of our cities, the big and small ones. We want wide, clean and safe streets. We want a good comprehensive health system that protects us from being victims of health brokers.
We want an independent and codified legal system that protects the weak from the strong, a system that respects women and gives them their rights. We want a citizen, whether man or woman, who can speak freely without being harassed or misjudged.
Simply, we want our real Saudi country back as was set by the constitution based on the Islamic Sharia, but which was unfortunately hijacked.
The Saudi Gazette
ON Thursday King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz announced that the Saudi Cabinet would be retained unchanged. He also extended the tenures of various advisers and heads of government departments.
The announcement came as a surprise for local and international media especially following much speculation of major changes. Some people misread the speculation as a sign of reluctance in some quarters of Saudi society to pursue the comprehensive reforms encouraged by the King since he was crown prince.
The decision to retain all the ministers in their posts was a smart move by the King. Most of the ministers were appointed at a time when the region was suffering the consequences of the two Gulf wars, including a long period of low oil prices in the 1990s that froze most of the development projects in the country.
It was a time when the parameter for success was assessed according to the ability of ministries to work at full potential while keeping infrastructure development plans to a minimum. Ministerial performance during this period varied dramatically. Some carried out the job successfully and maximized performance with whatever was available to them – Ali Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum, for instance, who has emerged over the past 12 years as the most influential minister in OPEC. Some others lost control of their ministries, which gave rise to bribery and corruption. More recent appointees found insufficient time to prove themselves and to implement their long-term plans.
Today, Saudi Arabia is at the peak of both economic and prosperity and political stability. By retaining the Cabinet, King Abdullah is giving the ministers a real chance to take action and prove themselves.
The recently approved bill on a national strategy to promote honesty and combat corruption will be the framework that governs ministerial performance in the coming term. The anti-graft law, recommended by the Shoura Council, calls for enhancing cooperation among government authorities to combat corruption in all its forms.
The new law allows the government to hold accountable those who have shown carelessness or dishonesty in carrying out their duties of office. At the same time, it protects those who are honest to their country.
The King’s trust in his ministers should be met by gratitude and sincerity. Their reappointment should trigger implementation of a larger number of social and economic projects across the country. It should lead to an end to bureaucratic red tape and prompt action on pending projects, especially considering that the world is fast moving ahead.
From now on, officials and citizens should work hand in hand to accomplish the King’s dream of taking our country to progress with transparency and accountability as its guidelines. At the social level, ministers should do more to strengthen the community’s fabric so that no one breaks through and hijacks our peaceful country to turn it into a breeding nest for terrorism.
More job opportunities should be created for male and female graduates, with no differences whatsoever because society is like a bird that cannot fly with one wing. More emphasis should be placed on women’s empowerment even if it means introducing the quota system in our establishments.
The country’s economy should also be protected from those who have been playing with the nation’s treasure under the umbrella of the so-called “stock market.” The market should be closely watched and monitored in order to control prices. Our society has become a huge experimental laboratory for international companies.
We should improve our education system to match the developed countries instead of wasting our money on schools that have produced nothing but failures. Our students are not good even for our local labor market, not to speak of the international one.
We want a good infrastructure in all of our cities, the big and small ones. We want wide, clean and safe streets. We want a good comprehensive health system that protects us from being victims of health brokers.
We want an independent and codified legal system that protects the weak from the strong, a system that respects women and gives them their rights. We want a citizen, whether man or woman, who can speak freely without being harassed or misjudged.
Simply, we want our real Saudi country back as was set by the constitution based on the Islamic Sharia, but which was unfortunately hijacked.
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