Saudi Arabia wavers on Obama's plan Aug 13, 2009
Analysts noted that that initiative from Bahrain was most likely encouraged by the Saudi government - or at least, was cleared with Riyadh. George Mitchell, the US envoy for Middle East peace, was in Cairo on July 27. (Asia Times Online)
Conservative pressure shuts Saudi film fest Jul 19, 2009
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's only film festival was halted before it even opened, festival sources said, as powerful Islamic conservatives battle a popular push for more entertainment in the country. Organisers of the Jeddah film festival were told late on Friday by the city authorities they could not go ahead, even though the event had been heralded as a highlight of the city's summer festival launched on Thursday, they said yesterday. (India Times, India)
bmi Rolls Out Chauffeur Drive on Key Regional Business Routes Jul 18, 2009
Across its mainline route network bmi operates to Aberdeen; Addis Ababa; Aleppo; Almaty; Amman; Amsterdam; Baku; Beirut; Belfast City; Bishkek; Brussels; Cairo; Damascus; Dammam; Dublin; Edinburgh; Freetown; Glasgow; Hanover; Jeddah; Khartoum; Kiev; London Heathrow; Manchester; Moscow Domodedovo; Palma Mallorca; Riyadh; Tbilisi; Tehran; Tel Aviv; Venice; Yerevan. bmi regional operates to Aberdeen; Birmingham; Brussels; Cologne; Copenhagen; East Midlands; Edinburgh; Esbjerg; Glasgow; Groningen;... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Why US officials blamed Iran Jul 3, 2009
On November 13, 1995, a car bomb destroyed the Office of the Program Manager of the Saudi National Guard (OPM SANG) in Riyadh, killing five US airmen and wounding 34 ... The US Embassy in Riyadh immediately requested that the FBI be allowed to interrogate the suspects as soon as their arrests were announced in April ... When the bomb exploded at Khobar Towers on June 25, 1996, Scott Erskine, the agent in charge of the Riyadh bombing investigation, was about to return to the United States after... (Asia Times Online)
Iranians Walk Out During Shimon Peres Speech Jul 2, 2009
During his keynote address, Peres called on King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who instigated the Arab peace initiative, to meet in Jerusalem or in Riyadh, or to travel to Kazakhstan, where, together with other Arab leaders, he could advance the Israeli-Arab peace process. "Together with all the Arab leaders, we can realize your vision, our vision and the vision of all the leaders and all believers in our shared god of peace and justice. "We are aware of the big change which has occurred in the... (Newsmax)
Elderly, Kids Urged to Skip Hajj Over Swine Flu Jul 1, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic diseases should stay away from the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia to prevent catching swine flu, health experts recommended Tuesday. The recommendations come as some in the Muslim world have raised questions about the risk posed by swine flu to the millions attending the annual Muslim pilgrimage, which takes place this year in December, with some even suggesting quarantining people returning from Saudi... (Newsmax)
Infotainment Jun 28, 2009
Riyadh and Jeddah Fashion showParis: A model displays a haute couture abaya during the Saks Fifth Avenue Riyadh and Jeddah Fashion show of 22 abayas customised by international designers. ap. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
EDIT: Free Falling Jun 17, 2009
However, that is precisely what Air India's reaction to Captain N K Beri's refusal to pilot flight AI-822 to Delhi after taking off from Riyadh because of faulty landing gear has been. By all accounts, his decision to turn back was a sensible one, but Air India officials have cited embarrassment and monetary loss as justification for the punitive measures taken against him. (India Times, India)
REACTION MIXED: Obama calls for new U.S.-Muslim unity Jun 5, 2009
Obama met with King Abdullah in Riyadh. Thursday - Egypt. (USA Today)
CHAIN OF GOLD Jun 4, 2009
This time, when they greeted each other at Riyadh's main airport, there was a light embrace and the region's traditional double kiss ... At the airport's flower-adorned VIP terminal, Obama and Abdullah then sat together in gilded chairs, sipped cardamom-flavoured Arabic coffee from small cups and chatted briefly in public before retreating to hold private talks on a range of issues at the king's ranch outside of Riyadh. (The Drudge Report)
Obama In Saudi Arabia for Start of Mideast Mission Jun 4, 2009
RIYADH President Barack Obama arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on a Middle East mission featuring a historic address to the Muslim world and a new US drive to invigorate regional peacemaking. Obama flew in aboard Air Force One to a red carpet welcome ahead of talks with King Abdullah as he seeks backing for an emerging US strategy of binding Arab states into a wider search for Israeli-Palestinian peace and to defuse regional tensions. (Newsmax)
Obama set for Egypt speech Jun 4, 2009
Earlier, Mr Obama held talks in Riyadh with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Truth-telling. (BBC News -- Americas)
Obama launches maiden Middle East mission Jun 3, 2009
Obama will fly into Riyadh aboard Air Force One amid intense anticipation for his first major foray into the Middle East, following a surprise visit of a few hours to Baghdad in April ... But another Saudi newspaper, Al-Riyadh, urged Muslims not to have too high expectations. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Obama embarks on Mid-East mission Jun 3, 2009
In Saudi Arabia, Mr Obama will hold talks with King Abdullah in Riyadh. As well as regional issues, Mr Obama said he would raise the issue of oil prices with the Saudi ruler. (BBC News -- Americas)
Obama to address tough issues in speech to Muslims Jun 2, 2009
Washington and Riyadh differ over oil prices. Obama has spent heavily trying to lift the U.S. economy out of a major recession and has expressed concern about oil price spikes, which could hurt any recovery. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Obama to address Muslims May 30, 2009
Last Updated: 07:54am 30 May 2009. Get up to R1,000 free. (iAfrica.com)
Obama steps into diplomatic minefield May 30, 2009
For Saudi Arabia on the other hand, its late addition to Obama's travel itinerary is a welcome sign it is not isolated from the current inter-Arab jockeying for leadership, which is mainly between Cairo and Riyadh ... Riyadh has been rattled by neighboring Iraq's experiment with democracy - one reason why Saudi-Iraqi relations remain poor. (Asia Times Online)
Obama takes tough and risky stance on Israeli settlements May 29, 2009
"Her comments," Miller said, "were about as tough and as shrill as I've heard from any senior American official on this issue since Baker told Congress , 'When the Israelis are serious, have them call me.''' In 1991, former Secretary of State James Baker and President George H.W. Bush tried to press Israel to stop building settlements by urging Congress to suspend loan guarantees to Israel , but then they backed down. Abbas came with a five-page proposal that centered on a longstanding goal of... (Yahoo News)
Obama adds Saudi Arabia to Mid-East agenda May 28, 2009
Robert Gibbs said Mr Obama would hold talks with King Abdullah in Riyadh on 3 June to discuss Israeli-Palestinian peace moves, Iran and terrorism. Some analysts say the US administration is considering adopting a modified Arab peace plan proposed by the Saudis. (BBC News -- Americas)
Cut-price global flights May 28, 2009
The destinations included in the promotion are: Abu Dhabi/Dubai from R2990; Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh from R3015; Almaty, Astana, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Manchester, Milan, Minsk, Moscow and Munich from R4300. This summer sees Etihad launch new flights to Istanbul on Monday, 1 June, Athens on Tuesday, 2 June and Larnaca on 14 June and, as part of the promotion, Etihad is offering customers special fares to highlight these new destinations. (iAfrica.com)
EDIT: Friends In Deed May 28, 2009
Simultaneously, Beijing and Riyadh must help shore up Pakistan's civilian government and economy by persuading Islamabad that the biggest threat to the country lies within itself. Friends in need are friends indeed. (India Times, India)
Obama to visit Saudi before Egypt May 27, 2009
Spokesman Robert Gibbs said the two leaders would meet in Riyadh on 3 June to discuss the Mid-East peace process, Iran's nuclear programme and terrorism. The visit will be Mr Obama's first to Saudi Arabia as president. (BBC News -- Americas)
Still No Concrete Plan on Health Care From White House May 12, 2009
When he was arrested, Nashiri was planning new terrorist attacks, including a plot to crash an airplane into a Western naval vessel and a plan targeting a U.S. housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These are just three of the men locked up safely and securely on an island miles from the U.S., in a facility that even the administration acknowledges to be humane and well-run. (Human Events Online)
Saudi judge says it's OK for men to beat wives May 12, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - A Saudi judge told a conference on domestic violence that a man has the right to slap a wife who spends money wastefully and said women were as much to blame as men for increased spousal abuse, a Saudi newspaper reported. The remarks do not carry the weight of law, as they were made out of court. (MSNBC -- International)
* World News Quick Take May 6, 2009
SAUDI ARABIA Riyadh pans EU visa policy The government has accused France, Germany and Italy of discrimination after experiencing what they say are unreasonable delays in getting visas that allow Saudis to visit several European countries ... Articles in several newspapers in the past three weeks have attacked especially the French embassy in Riyadh for mistreating Saudi applicants, with some calling for a boycott of the country and its businesses. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Saudis mulls marriage ban for girls under 18 May 4, 2009
RIYADH Saudi Arabia may ban marriage for girls below 18, a government minister said after a case of an eight-year-old girl marrying a man more than 40 years her senior drew international criticism and embarrassed the kingdom. Among the options that are available and excluding the issue of puberty, is to ban marriage for [people] under 18, Justice Minister Mohammed al-Eissa told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper. (Globe and Mail)
Netanyahu vows peace Apr 13, 2009
Later on Sunday Abbas met Saudi King Abdullah to brief him on the peace process and also on reconciliation talks between rival factions Fatah and Hamas, Palestinian spokesman Mahir Karaki said in Riyadh. Netanyahu's statement was his first on the Middle East peace process since he took office on April 1 at the helm of a largely right-wing government that has sparked concern over the fate of the stalled negotiations. (iAfrica.com)
Arab world backs Beshir Mar 30, 2009
Cairo and Riyadh are staunch supporters of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, while Damascus and Doha back the Islamist movement Hamas, which routed Abbas's Fatah loyalists from Gaza in deadly factional fighting in June 2007. A draft declaration. (iAfrica.com)
* Saudi king clarifies succession plans with appointment Mar 29, 2009
AP, RIYADH Sunday, Mar 29, 2009, Page 6. Saudi Arabias King Abdullah has appointed his half brother, who is the kingdoms powerful interior minister, as the nations second deputy prime minister, an announcement said late on Friday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Saudi king outlines succession order Mar 28, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - King Abdullah has appointed Saudi Arabia's powerful interior minister and his half brother as the nation's second deputy prime minister, according to an announcement late Friday. The appointment indicates a succession order in the royal family, after four years of speculation over who will be the next-in-line once the current heir, Prince Sultan, becomes king. (MSNBC -- International)
Jihadi dispute points to deeper radicalism among youths Mar 27, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - In yet another fissure within radical Islamist networks, one of the world's most influential jihadi theologians is coming under fire from some former followers for allegedly moderating his views a claim he denies. The attacks on Jordanian cleric Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, who was spiritual adviser for the late Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, are significant because of Mr. Maqdisi's longtime stature as a revered spiritual mentor who legitimizes violence... (Christian Science Monitor)
Saudi Arabia: Senior Al-Qaida Leader Surrenders Mar 27, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia says a senior al-Qaida leader has returned to the country voluntarily and turned himself in. The Interior Ministry says Fahad al-Ruwaily was on a list of the kingdom's 85 most wanted militants living abroad. (Newsmax)
Stanford physician to receive Saudi prize Mar 24, 2009
Levy will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to receive the prize from the Saudi royal family on March 29 ... "-- Don Kazak Comments Posted by Martin Engel, a resident of Menlo Park, 9 hours agoCongratulations, Dr. Levy. Wow, that's more amazing than most people can imagine! Again, Mazel tov. When you get to Riyadh, see if there are any other remarkable symptoms of such a change of heart (so to speak). And, when you return, perhaps you can offer us the positive prognosis for which we all now ache.... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Arab League reaches out to Iraq Mar 21, 2009
Some observers claim that such representation will not come until these states feel that Iraq is no longer an Iranian satellite, citing differences between Riyadh, Cairo, and Maliki. While the Arabs continue to have second thoughts, the US is already preparing to send a new ambassador to Baghdad - namely Christopher Hill to replace Ryan Crocker. (Asia Times Online)
Why Syria and Saudi Arabia are talking again Mar 12, 2009
talked to Saudi King Abdullah in Riyadh Wednesday ... On Wednesday, Mr. Assad met with Saudi King Abdullah in Riyadh ... The two foes planned to meet in Riyadh Wednesday to solidify Arab unity amid regional volatility. (Christian Science Monitor)
Oil rises towards $46 on equities Mar 11, 2009
The poll came after Saudi Arabia surprised its Asian customers by saying it will largely maintain crude supplies next month on Tuesday, another sign Riyadh may urge its fellow OPEC members to refrain from further output cuts at the meeting. Read business stories in. (India Times)
Trio treks to Saudi Arabia to train teachers, share knowledge about ADHD Mar 11, 2009
LaFayette native and author Chris Abney Zeigler Dendy, her sister and LaFayette native Dr. Billie Abney (a Southeast Whitfield County High School teacher) and Dendy s son Alex Zeigler recently traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to provide training on teaching skills for students with ADHD. Dendy and her husband Tommy live in Cedar Bluff, Ala ... The training was held at the Tuwaiq Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh ... Dr. Soad Al Yamani, who is a pediatric neurologist in Riyadh, heard me... (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
Shuttle crew includes skiers, ultramarathoner Mar 9, 2009
He's taught science and math at American and international schools in Casablanca, Morocco; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; West Papua, Indonesia; and, most recently, Bucharest, Romania. Reading about different places and cultures, he says, got him interested in travel. (KSLA.com, LA)
Sir Fred Goodwin won?t budge over... Feb 27, 2009
Mike Litoris, riyadh, saudi 00004000 arabia. I was good at my job, took an early retirement at 50 and now have to live on live on Stg7000 per year. (New York Post -- Business)
The Failure of Jihadist Rehabilitat... Feb 27, 2009
The Care Rehabilitation Center outside of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, one of five half-way houses , or rehab compounds operated by the Saudi government, has received widespread media publicity, and become a symbol for the Saudi government s PRAC initiative. Sheikh Ahmed Hamid Jelan, a member of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and the Director of Care Rehabilitation, offers a class on understanding jihad that attempts to counteract the definition of Jihad adopted by Islamic extremists through... (Suite101.com)
Saudis break taboo of opposing royals after soccer row Feb 20, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - It had been a bad day for the kingdom, and three soccer commentators were trying to make sense of the national tragedy on a live TV talk show. Saudi Arabia's national team had lost the 19th Arabian Gulf Cup to Oman, 6-5, because the players were underperforming. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Need to know: Ryanair in $7bn tal... Feb 18, 2009
4 million, will add offices in Riyadh and Dubai to Huntsworth s existing operations in the region. Liberty Media: The US conglomerate will invest $530 million in Sirius XM Radio, fending off a likely bankruptcy for the US satellite radio company and blocking a bid by Charlie Ergen, chief executive of rival Dish Network, to take control of Sirius. (New York Post -- Business)
Saudis appoint Peseiro to coach football team Feb 18, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - The Saudi football federation hired Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro to take over the national team Tuesday. Peseiro is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday and sign a final contract for an undisclosed sum, the Saudi Press Agency reported. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Ottawa moves to save Canadian from execution Feb 11, 2009
Mr. Obhrai met with the Kohail family and assured them that Canada will continue to pursue all avenues to assist Mohammed and Sultan, DFAIT spokeswoman Lisa Monette said, adding that Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon also raised the case in a phone call with his Saudi counterpart earlier this month, and that the embassy in Riyadh sent a diplomatic note to Saudi authorities. Our ambassador in Saudi Arabia is fully engaged, as are senior DFAIT officials in Ottawa. (Globe and Mail -- International)
China and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday vowed to deepen their strategic friendly ties, work together to tackle the global financial crisis and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs. 00004000• Chinese president meets Saudi Arabian king on ties Feb 11, 2009
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) talks with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz during their meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 10, 2009 ... RIYADH, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz here Tuesday on deepening the two countries' friendship and cooperation ... Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L front) and Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz (R front) walk into the venue of their meeting in Riyadh, Saudi... (Xinhuanet, China)
Canadian on death row hopes for reprieve after Saudi court decision Feb 11, 2009
He's getting out, said Raouf Shantaf, Mohamed's uncle, who lives in Riyadh. He's really happy. (Globe and Mail)
Saudi princess says she's ready to drive Feb 11, 2009
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - The wife of one of Saudi Arabia's most high profile and richest men said she's ready to get behind the wheel as soon as women are permitted to drive, highlighting again a contentious issue authorities in this conservative desert kingdom prefer to play down. Princess Amira al-Taweel, who is married to global tycoon Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, told the Saudi daily Al-Watan that she already drives when she travels abroad. (The Age, Australia -- World)
* Saudi princess says shes ready to get behind the wheel Feb 11, 2009
AP, RIYADH Wednesday, Feb 11, 2009, Page 6. The wife of one of Saudi Arabias most high-profile and richest men said shes ready to get behind the wheel if women are ever permitted to drive, highlighting again a contentious issue authorities in this conservative desert kingdom prefer to play down. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
For the first time, Christians in Qatar worship in church Feb 9, 2009
Diplomats in Riyadh say, however, that a more relaxed atmosphere has emerged in recent years. Private services in homes are disrupted far less often, and fewer Christians are arrested, diplomats report. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Iraq: 2 pilgrims killed by bomb in Baghdad Feb 8, 2009
The director of the Diwaniyah health department, Riyadh Abdul-Amir, said the man died of his wounds after being taken with the woman to a local hospital. The pilgrims struck by the bombing in Baghdad were beginning their trek toward the holy city of Karbala to mark the end of 40 days of mourning following the anniversary of the seventh century death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
