The recent news of Senate Democrats launching a probe into foreign payments to Jared Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, comes as no surprise to those who have been following the trail of questionable dealings surrounding the former President Trump’s administration. The eye-popping $2 billion payment from the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund in 2021 raises serious concerns about the ethical and potentially illegal behavior of Kushner and his associates.
It is astounding to think that individuals like Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, who had little to no experience in private equity or hedge funds, could walk away with such a hefty sum of money just months after leaving the White House.… Continue reading
The recent news of Saudi Arabia removing Palestine from school textbook maps has sparked controversy and stirred up discussions around the world. As someone who closely follows geopolitical events, this decision by Saudi Arabia doesn’t come as a surprise. In fact, it aligns with the country’s strategic interests and their evolving relationships with Israel.
Saudi Arabia has been making significant efforts to normalize relations with Israel, a move that can be seen as a pragmatic decision based on economic and security interests. The alignment with Israel offers Saudi Arabia the potential for economic prosperity, technological advancements, and military cooperation, especially given the shared threat posed by Iran in the region.… Continue reading
Upon hearing the news that Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, at the age of 88, has been diagnosed with pneumonia, a wave of thoughts and reflections flooded my mind. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been the de facto leader of the country, with King Salman serving more as a figurehead than an active ruler. It seems that MBS has been the one wielding the true power and making decisions that shape the nation’s trajectory. The idea of the king being hooked up to a golden respirator paints a vivid image of the opulence and extravagance that is often associated with the Saudi royal family.… Continue reading
The case of Manahel, a Saudi women’s rights activist, has shed light on the deep-rooted issues faced by women in Saudi Arabia. It is heartbreaking to hear that she was asked to be killed by her own family in the name of “honor”. The concept of honor killings is barbaric and inhumane, yet it continues to persist in some societies, including Saudi Arabia.
It is appalling to see how the Saudi authorities have twisted the narrative by accusing Manahel of “terrorist offenses” for advocating for women’s rights and denouncing religious principles. The fact that she was sentenced for these so-called crimes is a clear indication of the oppressive nature of the Saudi regime and their blatant disregard for human rights.… Continue reading
It’s hard to digest the news of a Saudi Arabia activist being sentenced to 11 years in prison for the mere act of supporting women’s rights. Manahel al-Otaibi, who advocated for female empowerment on social media, found herself behind bars under anti-terror laws. It’s baffling how promoting something as basic as women’s rights can be construed as a threat to national security or classified as terrorism. The injustice and absurdity of this situation are glaring and disturbing, to say the least.
The blatant disregard for fundamental human rights, particularly women’s rights, in Saudi Arabia is nothing new. The country’s track record of suppressing dissent, especially when it comes to advocating for gender equality, speaks volumes about the oppressive regime in place.… Continue reading
Saudi Arabia publicly acknowledging its role in defending Israel against an Iranian attack has sparked a range of reactions and discussions, shedding light on the complex dynamics in the Middle East. The revelation of Saudi Arabia’s assistance in intercepting suspicious entities in its airspace not only showcases the kingdom’s proactive stance but also underscores the shared interests between Saudi Arabia, Israel, and other regional players in countering Iranian aggression.
The historical animosity between Saudi Arabia and Iran has long been a driving force in shaping regional alliances and conflicts. Saudi Arabia’s alignment with the US and growing cooperation with Israel signify a strategic shift towards bolstering collective security in the face of common threats.… Continue reading
Saudi officials have recently made a bold statement, indicating that Iran engineered the war in Gaza with the intention of ruining any normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This revelation sheds light on the intricate web of politics and power dynamics in the Middle East. It seems that Iran, along with other nations such as Russia and China, has a vested interest in stirring up conflict to divert attention from other pressing issues and to further their own agendas.
The fact that Saudi Arabia is publicly acknowledging Iran’s role in the conflict is significant. It demonstrates a shift in the region’s understanding of the complex geopolitical landscape and the various actors involved.… Continue reading
Outrage as Saudi Arabia Picked to Head Women’s Rights Forum
The recent news of Saudi Arabia being chosen to lead the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief across the globe. The irony of a country known for its severe restrictions on women’s rights being appointed to head a forum dedicated to advancing gender equality is not lost on anyone. It’s like putting a vampire in charge of a blood drive, or a dog in charge of a roast beef, as some have astutely pointed out. The decision seems to defy all logic and common sense, leaving many of us questioning the integrity and credibility of such prestigious platforms like the UN.… Continue reading
As I sit here, trying to process the recent news that Saudi Arabia has been picked to lead a women’s rights forum at the UN, I can’t help but feel a sense of disbelief and outrage. How is it possible that a country with such an abysmal record on women’s rights is being entrusted with such an important responsibility? It is reminiscent of George Orwell’s quote from “1984” – “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” The irony of the situation is almost too much to bear.
The fact that Saudi Arabia is leading a women’s rights forum, when women in the country still face numerous restrictions and oppressive laws, is a slap in the face to all those fighting for gender equality.… Continue reading
As I read the news of Saudi Arabia being appointed as the chair of the UN’s gender equality forum, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of disbelief wash over me. The irony of a country with such a notorious track record when it comes to women’s rights being tasked with leading a forum dedicated to gender equality is truly mind-boggling. It’s akin to putting a wolf in charge of guarding a henhouse.
The United Nations, as an organization dedicated to promoting human rights and global cooperation, should be at the forefront of championing gender equality. However, appointing Saudi Arabia, a country known for its systemic oppression of women, to lead such a critical forum sends a troubling message.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker