Where Is Christmas In Saudi Arabia?

[Bob Hubbard]

Where Is Christmas In Saudi Arabia?

Author: Donna Abu-Nasr, Associated Press Source: Newsday

Title: WHERE IS CHRISTMAS IN SAUDI ARABIA?

It's beginning to look a little bit like Christmas in Saudi Arabia, where Islam is the only accepted religion and non-Muslim religious activities are banned in public.

Turkeys lie in deep freezers under shelves loaded with pumpkin pie spices, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix and tinned sweet potatoes. Yule log-shaped cakes sit in patisserie cases; a couple of bare, plastic Christmas trees stand in a boutique window; and gift wraps and glittering red, green, silver and gold candles appear in stores.

The little Christmas things count in a country accused by the U.S. State Department of "particularly severe violations" of religious freedom. This year, it placed the kingdom for the first time on a list of countries that could be subject to U.S. sanctions because of religious intolerance.

Saudi Arabia has stated publicly that its policy is to protect the right of non-Muslims to worship privately. However, Defense Minister Prince Sulta also stressed that the kingdom would never allow churches to be built.
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Original Thread: http://www.witchvox.com/wren/wn_detaila.html?id=11849

 

[MA-Caver]

Well... it IS their country and they've a right to do whatever they want within their borders. I mean jeez what's the point of having a country if you're gonna let others dictate policy for you?

 

[Bob Hubbard]

I think it's interesting to look at what happens there, and contrast it with events in this country....there are many similarities that I find frightening.

 

[Ray]

Well... it IS their country and they've a right to do whatever they want within their borders. I mean jeez what's the point of having a country if you're gonna let others dictate policy for you?

The practice of not allowing churches/synagoges/temples to be built or repaired is troubling to me. It is, I believe, part of Sharia/Islamic law. Additional civil restrictions on those who desire to practice religion other than Islam also troubles me. Of course, my understanding could be totally off base.

 

[OUMoose]

It's troubling, yes, but it is what they feel is right and should be respected. We have the same thing in the US, only to a slightly lesser degree. Sure, you see catherdrals, mosques, and synagogues built here, but one pagan gathering and you'll have the neighborhood out with the torches and pitchforks. Same principle... "We don't mind if you do it in your house, but don't bring it out to the public". Does that make it right? :idunno:

 

[Phoenix44]

Probably we should invade them. We really need to liberate those oppressed people from their dictator.

 

[PeachMonkey]

There's probably too much evidence of actual involvement in terrorist activities for us to invade Saudi Arabia. We prefer to invade countries that don't threaten us in any way.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

The Bush family and associates have too much financial incentive not too. Also, I believe that the Saudis are major (like 15-20%) investors here in the US.

 

[Phoenix44]

There's probably too much evidence of actual involvement in terrorist activities for us to invade Saudi Arabia. We prefer to invade countries that don't threaten us in any way.

FINE. BE THAT WAY.

 

[GAB]

There's probably too much evidence of actual involvement in terrorist activities for us to invade Saudi Arabia. We prefer to invade countries that don't threaten us in any way.

Hi all,

We are establishing a beachhead amigo. Wait a few and we are going to see some stuff that will curl hair.

We are a young country and have not spread our full potential as of yet. Can you blame us for not wanting our form of society to go down the dumpster.

Forget the Book, we are the "latest and the greatest" get used to it. The rules are changing...

As we say, mess with the Bull and you get the horn...

Are you new???

Regards, Gary