Middle East Features
By Pakinam Amer
May 20, 2007, 17:00 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Accusations flew between officials from the United States and Iran on Sunday as US officials reiterated their claim that Tehran is destabilizing Iraq by funding the insurgency there and providing weapons for extremists.
The exchange took place during discussion at a meeting of the Jordan-based World Economic Forum (WEF) being held on the shores of the Dead Sea resort and comes ahead of a planned US-Iran meeting in Baghdad on May 28.
'We have evidence that Iran is participating in destabilizing Iraq,' US Senator Orrin G Hatch said. However, his claims were vehemently denied by the leadership of Iran during a discussion at the forum gathering.
Hatch asked Iran for 'some indication of respect, some indication of willingness' to abide by the rule to law.
Mohammed Larijani, Iranian deputy minister of foreign affairs, said it is in Iran's national interest to have a unified, peaceful Iraq.
But he also noted that Iran had not been getting any signs of respect from the US ahead of the Baghdad meeting. '(Senator Hatch) talks about respect. We have been labelled as part of the axis of evil. And we are threatened every other day that (our) government should be changed,' he said.
'They say our meeting should be only at ambassadorial level. Are these good signs of respect? Definitely not,' Larijani said.
Concerning the raging violence in Iraq, Larijani said Bush should not have expected a 'red carpet' to be rolled out when the US invaded Iraq in 2003. 'Nobody likes occupation.'
Larijani said the upcoming meeting - even with Iran's cooperation - 'will not solve all the problems in the world' but 'it will open a path.'
A day earlier, Iran's foreign minister also levelled blame at the US, saying that it did many wrong things in Iraq, and that in the next meeting Iran would show the US where it went wrong and how to correct the wrongs.
They also expected an 'offer of withdrawal' of US troops from Iraq.
Senator Hatch said on Sunday that the US government realized that errors were made during the war on Iraq.
'There's no question that we made mistakes in the war, but the intention was good.' He added that the US needs to do more and so does Iran which should 'start running their own affairs' instead of running Iraq's.
'We don't enjoy having our men and women killed. We don't enjoy terror,' said the senator, who was joined by US Senator Gordon H Smith in confirming that US troops would not leave Iraq until Iraqi forces are capable of handling the security situation.
'We will not leave a vacuum that they can fill,' said Smith, adding that there is 'no question from the evidence' that Iranians and Syrians are meddling in Iraqi affairs and settling disputes on the territory of Iraq.
Iraqi officials at the session which brought Iranian, Iraqi and US figures together joined the rhetoric, saying that foreign powers not only engage in sectarian conflicts, but also encourage the Iraqis to take sides - sometimes through direct financing.
On the sidelines, Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi said that if US troops withdrew, they would 'leave a security vacuum and so (the country) could slide into chaos.'
Multinational forces in Iraq have lately been reporting more and more findings of Iranian-marked bombs and weapons - some of which earlier official reports traced back to Quds, a group affiliated with right-wing members of the Iranian government.
Iran, however, continues to deny this. Larijani told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa that for a country that 'has more than 150,000 troops allowed, bombarding houses and people everyday, it's shameful to accuse us of infiltrating arms to Iraq.'
The Iranian-marked weapons, he said, could be passing through the border from any of Iraq's neighbours: 'We're selling arms to other countries, officially. They could be smuggled into Iraq illegally, so could American weapons and German weapons.'
During the session, Larijani told US and Iraqi officials that militants in Iraq 'don't need arms from Iran. Iraq is full of arms, the borders are open. They could come from anywhere.'
Meanwhile, al-Hashimi told dpa that the Iraqi government "hasn't seen the Iranian weapons, but I do believe that there is a concrete report on that.”
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1306906.php/US_Iran_exchange_accusations_ahead_of_meeting
Saturday, May 26, 2007
DPA: Arabs want Israel to accept Saudi backed peace plan
Middle East Features
By Pakinam Amer
May 20, 2007, 16:59 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Palestinian and Arab leaders, during a heated discussion on Sunday, called on Israel to accept the Saudi-backed Arab peace initiative and to offer Palestinians a sovereign state if they want to secure their lands.
They also charged that the Israeli occupation 'breeds violence' during discussion at a gathering of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at the Dead Sea resort.
'Security is provided to you by peace,' top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said.
Addressing Israelis, he said: 'Tell the Arabs 'we accept the (Arab peace) initiative and we'll talk with you.' That's how history is made.'
The reactivated five-year-old Arab initiative promises full normalization with Israel and Arab recognition of the Jewish state in return for a full Israeli pullout from the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, establishing East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
The proposal also includes terms that would guarantee the right of return to thousands of Palestinian refugees stranded in poor conditions across hosting Arab countries, mainly Jordan and Lebanon.
But the highlight of the proposal is the end of occupation and establishment of a Palestinian state, which Erekat heavily addressed during the session.
'You are destroying us; you are destroying our social fabric,' he said. 'Get rid of the occupation if you don't want to see al-Qaeda and extremism.'
Israel did not say if they accepted the proposal, and Arab leaders had earlier expressed doubt that the Jewish state would easily get on board but nevertheless kept calling for their cooperation.
On Sunday Israeli's Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres told reporters at the WEF that Israel was 'ready to make a counter- proposal.'
'We are ready to sit down with whomever you want - the Saudis, the Arab League - and we shall try to air out the differences between us,' Peres said. 'You (Arabs) can't come to the negotiations table with a pistol in your hands,' he added.
However, Arab League Chief Amr Moussa, who was also in attendance, said they had offered a hand to Israel but 'we have received no counter-offer, just gestures.'
Erekat also said that Israel allowed no compromises to their policy, and asked Israel, as a token of good will, to lift the economic blockade on the Palestinian territories - a siege of sorts that Israel and International community imposed when militant Hamas came to power with a sweeping victory in Palestinian elections.
'Lift the siege, Palestinians are suffering enough,' Erekat told Peres in a firm tone. 'It's enough, the consequences of the war, and it's enough that we don't control our own water. You're not punishing political parties, you're punishing my wife, my child, my neighbour, all Palestinians.'
Although the session was not supposed to be a place for pointing fingers, observers said, Peres and Erekat's heated discussion almost turned into a row.
On one hand, Peres insisted that the security of Israel should be guaranteed, then the negotiations will follow. On the other hand, Erekat said 'Israel can think they can get security through more violence and settlements, we have seen this movie before. Violence breeds violence.'
The argument continued with Peres saying that Israel's problem was with Hamas.
'We opened the border, Hamas smuggled arms,' he said. 'Security is number one for us, we cannot permit people to be killed.'
But, retorted Moussa: 'The problem is not Hamas or Iran but the military occupation of the occupied territories.'
'You're not going to ask Palestinians to sit tight while Israelis do what they want to do. And Israel does what it wants to do, using violence as well,' he added.
Moussa joined Erekat in blaming the occupation, defending Hamas and deeming it an elected body and member of a national unity government, 'not a terrorist organization.'
During the sessions, Peres stood up, excused himself from the discussion and left the podium.
Reporters and the audience were surprised but the facilitator of the discussions claimed that this was by agreement, as 'Mr Peres had an appointment' to honour.
Moussa had also told Peres that Israel did not recognize the Palestinian state in documents and that they needed this recognition in writing.
'The record of Israel on abiding to agreements is a (disappointing) record,' Moussa said.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1306905.php/Arabs_want_Israel_to_accept_Saudi_backed_peace_plan
By Pakinam Amer
May 20, 2007, 16:59 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Palestinian and Arab leaders, during a heated discussion on Sunday, called on Israel to accept the Saudi-backed Arab peace initiative and to offer Palestinians a sovereign state if they want to secure their lands.
They also charged that the Israeli occupation 'breeds violence' during discussion at a gathering of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at the Dead Sea resort.
'Security is provided to you by peace,' top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said.
Addressing Israelis, he said: 'Tell the Arabs 'we accept the (Arab peace) initiative and we'll talk with you.' That's how history is made.'
The reactivated five-year-old Arab initiative promises full normalization with Israel and Arab recognition of the Jewish state in return for a full Israeli pullout from the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, establishing East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
The proposal also includes terms that would guarantee the right of return to thousands of Palestinian refugees stranded in poor conditions across hosting Arab countries, mainly Jordan and Lebanon.
But the highlight of the proposal is the end of occupation and establishment of a Palestinian state, which Erekat heavily addressed during the session.
'You are destroying us; you are destroying our social fabric,' he said. 'Get rid of the occupation if you don't want to see al-Qaeda and extremism.'
Israel did not say if they accepted the proposal, and Arab leaders had earlier expressed doubt that the Jewish state would easily get on board but nevertheless kept calling for their cooperation.
On Sunday Israeli's Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres told reporters at the WEF that Israel was 'ready to make a counter- proposal.'
'We are ready to sit down with whomever you want - the Saudis, the Arab League - and we shall try to air out the differences between us,' Peres said. 'You (Arabs) can't come to the negotiations table with a pistol in your hands,' he added.
However, Arab League Chief Amr Moussa, who was also in attendance, said they had offered a hand to Israel but 'we have received no counter-offer, just gestures.'
Erekat also said that Israel allowed no compromises to their policy, and asked Israel, as a token of good will, to lift the economic blockade on the Palestinian territories - a siege of sorts that Israel and International community imposed when militant Hamas came to power with a sweeping victory in Palestinian elections.
'Lift the siege, Palestinians are suffering enough,' Erekat told Peres in a firm tone. 'It's enough, the consequences of the war, and it's enough that we don't control our own water. You're not punishing political parties, you're punishing my wife, my child, my neighbour, all Palestinians.'
Although the session was not supposed to be a place for pointing fingers, observers said, Peres and Erekat's heated discussion almost turned into a row.
On one hand, Peres insisted that the security of Israel should be guaranteed, then the negotiations will follow. On the other hand, Erekat said 'Israel can think they can get security through more violence and settlements, we have seen this movie before. Violence breeds violence.'
The argument continued with Peres saying that Israel's problem was with Hamas.
'We opened the border, Hamas smuggled arms,' he said. 'Security is number one for us, we cannot permit people to be killed.'
But, retorted Moussa: 'The problem is not Hamas or Iran but the military occupation of the occupied territories.'
'You're not going to ask Palestinians to sit tight while Israelis do what they want to do. And Israel does what it wants to do, using violence as well,' he added.
Moussa joined Erekat in blaming the occupation, defending Hamas and deeming it an elected body and member of a national unity government, 'not a terrorist organization.'
During the sessions, Peres stood up, excused himself from the discussion and left the podium.
Reporters and the audience were surprised but the facilitator of the discussions claimed that this was by agreement, as 'Mr Peres had an appointment' to honour.
Moussa had also told Peres that Israel did not recognize the Palestinian state in documents and that they needed this recognition in writing.
'The record of Israel on abiding to agreements is a (disappointing) record,' Moussa said.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1306905.php/Arabs_want_Israel_to_accept_Saudi_backed_peace_plan
ANALYSIS: Iran, Saudi vie for regional dominance
Middle East News
By Pakinam Amer
May 19, 2007, 18:31 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Saudi Arabia's hopes of achieving dominance on the regional political arena, and establishing its presence as both a broker and a peace negotiator, seems to be challenged by another power - Iran, which shares its borders.
Saudi Arabia, now a key regional player, has been gradually increasing its involvement in addressing the concerns, issues and conflicts threatening Middle East stability at a time when Egypt's role is taking a nosedive.
In Mecca, the Saudis brought together Palestinian factions, and in last March's Arab League summit the Islamic kingdom figuratively extended a hand to Lebanon, facing one of the worst standoffs in its modern history, and Iraq, ripped apart by confessional and sectarian differences.
On Saturday, however, Iran's attempts to be in itself a power broker in the Arab region were confirmed - showing to Saudi Arabia how serious it is in pursuing its interests in the Arab world.
During the Jordan-based World Economic Forum, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki underplayed the importance of a Saudi- backed four-year-old Arab-Israeli peace initiative, vehemently insisting that it is bound to fail.
'Despite of the good (intentions) of some countries and some parties to protect the right of Palestinians, we do believe that either due to the plans or due to the other side's approach, all of those plans will fail,' said Mottaki. 'If we talk based on realities, I do not see any chance.'
The remarks, paradoxically, came during a plenary session entitled 'Stability in the Broader Middle East: Who's taking the Lead?'
The session brought together the leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia who discussed the key players in the region, cooperation between neighbours and an ambitious inclusion strategy that the Arab neighbours wish to employ.
The 2002 Arab initiative, which Mottaki addressed and which the session's participants focused on, promises full normalization with Israel and Arab recognition of the Jewish state in return for a full Israeli pullout from the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and a withdrawal from the Golan Heights in Syria and some territories in southern Lebanon.
The proposal also includes terms that would guarantee the right of return to thousands of Palestinian refugees stranded in poor conditions across hosting Arab countries.
But at its core, the initiative accepts a two-state solution, which Iran is adamant in rejecting outright.
It's also Saudi-backed, and is aggressively promoted by the Islamic monarchy and enjoys the blessing of Arab states such as Egypt and Jordan.
Instead of joining powers, Mottaki said that Iran has a better proposal - a 'democratic free and fair referendum' where, in his words, original Muslim, Christian and Jewish Palestinians would vote and choose their regime.
In an evening session entitled 'Iran and the region,' he confirmed his stance saying that in principal he is not against an Arab initiative, but believed that this one will not work.
'Five million refugees will not be accepted by the Israeli regime,' he insisted.
He said his country does not recognize Israel's regime, neither does it see it as legitimate or even legal.
But that does not mean that Iran aims to destroy Israel - an apparent change of heart that surprised many political experts on Saturday, and that could very well be momentary in face of growing international pressures.
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had in the past issued fiery remarks against the Jewish state, vowing to 'wipe' the country off the map.
But on Saturday, Mottaki said that 'primary school students know that it's not possible to remove a country from the map. And that is very clear.'
Mottaki, speaking to reporters in forum, said that the important conditions outlined in the Saudi-proposed initiative will not see the light.
'We can recognize more than 132 plans for peace in the last 30 years. Why were these plans or initiatives not met or realized?' Mottaki asked.
He insisted that 'Iran was and is always a part of the solutions to the crisis in the region,' a saying which does not contradict the position made clear earlier by Iranian leadership, which said Arab countries and the US must cooperate with Iran for more stability.
Motakki's remarks clearly did not appeal to Saudi's delegation head and top diplomat Prince Turki al-Faisal al-Saud. Saudi discomfort was the strongest.
For his part, al-Saud commented by saying that he believed that 'the reality says that Iran should be on board. The wishful thinking says why should they?'
'This is an Arab issue. This is a Palestinian issue which should be solved in Arab-Palestinian context. Unfortunately, the Palestinian conflict lends itself to outside interference,' said al-Saud, whose tone betrayed discontent with the stringent Iranian stance, and did not hide Saudi disgruntlement at Iran's growing and inevitable influence on the region.
'If the Palestinians were from the very beginning united, we would not face the situation we are facing today.'
He said that if the Palestinians continue 'killing each other,' the Arab initiative will not get the region anywhere.
'This makes it imperative that we reacquire our fate in our own hands,' he said, adding that in this case neither the US, Israel nor any foreign state would be needed to interfere.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1306649.php/ANALYSIS_Iran_and_Saudi_Arabia_compete_for_regional_dominance
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118856
By Pakinam Amer
May 19, 2007, 18:31 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Saudi Arabia's hopes of achieving dominance on the regional political arena, and establishing its presence as both a broker and a peace negotiator, seems to be challenged by another power - Iran, which shares its borders.
Saudi Arabia, now a key regional player, has been gradually increasing its involvement in addressing the concerns, issues and conflicts threatening Middle East stability at a time when Egypt's role is taking a nosedive.
In Mecca, the Saudis brought together Palestinian factions, and in last March's Arab League summit the Islamic kingdom figuratively extended a hand to Lebanon, facing one of the worst standoffs in its modern history, and Iraq, ripped apart by confessional and sectarian differences.
On Saturday, however, Iran's attempts to be in itself a power broker in the Arab region were confirmed - showing to Saudi Arabia how serious it is in pursuing its interests in the Arab world.
During the Jordan-based World Economic Forum, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki underplayed the importance of a Saudi- backed four-year-old Arab-Israeli peace initiative, vehemently insisting that it is bound to fail.
'Despite of the good (intentions) of some countries and some parties to protect the right of Palestinians, we do believe that either due to the plans or due to the other side's approach, all of those plans will fail,' said Mottaki. 'If we talk based on realities, I do not see any chance.'
The remarks, paradoxically, came during a plenary session entitled 'Stability in the Broader Middle East: Who's taking the Lead?'
The session brought together the leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia who discussed the key players in the region, cooperation between neighbours and an ambitious inclusion strategy that the Arab neighbours wish to employ.
The 2002 Arab initiative, which Mottaki addressed and which the session's participants focused on, promises full normalization with Israel and Arab recognition of the Jewish state in return for a full Israeli pullout from the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and a withdrawal from the Golan Heights in Syria and some territories in southern Lebanon.
The proposal also includes terms that would guarantee the right of return to thousands of Palestinian refugees stranded in poor conditions across hosting Arab countries.
But at its core, the initiative accepts a two-state solution, which Iran is adamant in rejecting outright.
It's also Saudi-backed, and is aggressively promoted by the Islamic monarchy and enjoys the blessing of Arab states such as Egypt and Jordan.
Instead of joining powers, Mottaki said that Iran has a better proposal - a 'democratic free and fair referendum' where, in his words, original Muslim, Christian and Jewish Palestinians would vote and choose their regime.
In an evening session entitled 'Iran and the region,' he confirmed his stance saying that in principal he is not against an Arab initiative, but believed that this one will not work.
'Five million refugees will not be accepted by the Israeli regime,' he insisted.
He said his country does not recognize Israel's regime, neither does it see it as legitimate or even legal.
But that does not mean that Iran aims to destroy Israel - an apparent change of heart that surprised many political experts on Saturday, and that could very well be momentary in face of growing international pressures.
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had in the past issued fiery remarks against the Jewish state, vowing to 'wipe' the country off the map.
But on Saturday, Mottaki said that 'primary school students know that it's not possible to remove a country from the map. And that is very clear.'
Mottaki, speaking to reporters in forum, said that the important conditions outlined in the Saudi-proposed initiative will not see the light.
'We can recognize more than 132 plans for peace in the last 30 years. Why were these plans or initiatives not met or realized?' Mottaki asked.
He insisted that 'Iran was and is always a part of the solutions to the crisis in the region,' a saying which does not contradict the position made clear earlier by Iranian leadership, which said Arab countries and the US must cooperate with Iran for more stability.
Motakki's remarks clearly did not appeal to Saudi's delegation head and top diplomat Prince Turki al-Faisal al-Saud. Saudi discomfort was the strongest.
For his part, al-Saud commented by saying that he believed that 'the reality says that Iran should be on board. The wishful thinking says why should they?'
'This is an Arab issue. This is a Palestinian issue which should be solved in Arab-Palestinian context. Unfortunately, the Palestinian conflict lends itself to outside interference,' said al-Saud, whose tone betrayed discontent with the stringent Iranian stance, and did not hide Saudi disgruntlement at Iran's growing and inevitable influence on the region.
'If the Palestinians were from the very beginning united, we would not face the situation we are facing today.'
He said that if the Palestinians continue 'killing each other,' the Arab initiative will not get the region anywhere.
'This makes it imperative that we reacquire our fate in our own hands,' he said, adding that in this case neither the US, Israel nor any foreign state would be needed to interfere.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1306649.php/ANALYSIS_Iran_and_Saudi_Arabia_compete_for_regional_dominance
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118856
DPA: Ahead of US-Iran meeting, Iranian FM criticizes US policy
Middle East News
By Pakinam Amer
May 19, 2007, 16:47 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki continued to criticize US foreign policy Saturday, ahead of planned US-Iran talks, maintaining that 'the policy of the US in Iraq was and is definitely wrong.'
Mottaki, who confirmed earlier that the meeting will focus exclusively on Iraq's security and would take place on May 28, said his country aims to 'sit with the American side in presence of the Iraqi representatives in Iraq and start a talk on Iraq to show and approve that the (US) polices were wrong.'
'We will explain to them where they went wrong and how they could correct these wrongs,' Mottaki said, describing the exchanged analysis of the realities of the situation as 'vital' to those looking for security in the region.
He added that his country could indeed see what he described as a 'willingness' by the Americans to talk to countries in the region, mainly Iran, about the Iraq crisis.
But he expressed doubt that this move was completely genuine. 'Maybe Mr (George W.) Bush is bringing this as a tactic to show that (he is) responding to the Baker-Hamilton report. But really the policies have failed in Iraq,' he said.
The US-Iran meeting is expected to take place at an ambassadorial level.
US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker had agreed earlier to meet with the Iranian representatives in Baghdad amid US accusations that Tehran has been fomenting violence in Iraq by providing material support to militant groups responsible for attacks on US soldiers.
Crocker intends to bring up allegations of Iranian support for bombing materials in Iraq and its backing of militias aggravating Shiite and Sunni tensions.
For his part, Mottaki reiterated Iran's rejection of what he described as a US occupation that has led to more instability and which breeds insurgency.
Despite the foreign minister's insistence that the US presence should end, he refused to set a hypothetical deadline for the withdrawal of US troops.
'Sooner or later the US will have to decide to withdraw their troops from Iraq, because it is the cause for the continuation of terrorist activity,' Mottaki told reporters during the Jordan-based World Economic Forum, which brings together over 700 politicians from around the world.
He said that he expected a withdrawal plan from the US, but did not say if it would be discussed at the May meeting.
The United States and Iran severed formal diplomatic relations in 1980, and discussions in Baghdad are believed to be the highest contact between the two governments in years.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1306633.php/Ahead_of_US-Iran_meeting_Iranian_FM_criticizes_US_policy__Roundup_
By Pakinam Amer
May 19, 2007, 16:47 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki continued to criticize US foreign policy Saturday, ahead of planned US-Iran talks, maintaining that 'the policy of the US in Iraq was and is definitely wrong.'
Mottaki, who confirmed earlier that the meeting will focus exclusively on Iraq's security and would take place on May 28, said his country aims to 'sit with the American side in presence of the Iraqi representatives in Iraq and start a talk on Iraq to show and approve that the (US) polices were wrong.'
'We will explain to them where they went wrong and how they could correct these wrongs,' Mottaki said, describing the exchanged analysis of the realities of the situation as 'vital' to those looking for security in the region.
He added that his country could indeed see what he described as a 'willingness' by the Americans to talk to countries in the region, mainly Iran, about the Iraq crisis.
But he expressed doubt that this move was completely genuine. 'Maybe Mr (George W.) Bush is bringing this as a tactic to show that (he is) responding to the Baker-Hamilton report. But really the policies have failed in Iraq,' he said.
The US-Iran meeting is expected to take place at an ambassadorial level.
US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker had agreed earlier to meet with the Iranian representatives in Baghdad amid US accusations that Tehran has been fomenting violence in Iraq by providing material support to militant groups responsible for attacks on US soldiers.
Crocker intends to bring up allegations of Iranian support for bombing materials in Iraq and its backing of militias aggravating Shiite and Sunni tensions.
For his part, Mottaki reiterated Iran's rejection of what he described as a US occupation that has led to more instability and which breeds insurgency.
Despite the foreign minister's insistence that the US presence should end, he refused to set a hypothetical deadline for the withdrawal of US troops.
'Sooner or later the US will have to decide to withdraw their troops from Iraq, because it is the cause for the continuation of terrorist activity,' Mottaki told reporters during the Jordan-based World Economic Forum, which brings together over 700 politicians from around the world.
He said that he expected a withdrawal plan from the US, but did not say if it would be discussed at the May meeting.
The United States and Iran severed formal diplomatic relations in 1980, and discussions in Baghdad are believed to be the highest contact between the two governments in years.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1306633.php/Ahead_of_US-Iran_meeting_Iranian_FM_criticizes_US_policy__Roundup_
ANALYSIS: Israeli-Palestinian council generates more doubt than hope
Middle East News
By Pakinam Amer
May 18, 2007, 17:19 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Even as the Jordan-based World Economic Forum began with the announcement of an ambitious Israeli-Palestinian business council on Friday, observers cast doubt on the effectiveness of such an initiative in light of the heavy Hamas-Fatah clashes.
The 10-member council's co-chairs admitted that the political standoff the region was undergoing put the economic situation at stake. In addition, they said 'deep rifts and difficulties' still characterized complicated Israeli and Palestinian relations.
'We do not offer political solutions, but we constitute a community that is able to provide some measure of direction and practical solutions to issues affecting our region,' said Walid al- Najjab, Palestinian co-chair of the business council.
His Israeli counterpart Amos Shapira added: 'We believe our Palestinian colleagues also want to create a better future.'
Both business experts and leaders, however, hoped that the forum will give weight to their 'message' that according to Shapira 'should not be ignored or belittled.'
However the forum, which hosts around 1,500 delegates, is itself weighed down by the violence in the Palestinian territories - a situation which has topped the agenda of the forum
Jordan's King Abdullah urged the Palestinians, Arabs and the international community to act, saying 'Israelis and Palestinians from all walks of life tell us they need and want an end to violence.'
But even as the king's speech highlighted prospects of peace and 'sweeping new opportunities and benefits,' it was marred by the reality of the deteriorating situation around the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
In the war-ravaged territories, unemployment runs high with experts recently placing it at 60 per cent.
An economic blockade, which was put into effect by the international community when radical Hamas came to power, drained the area of its resources and left many families penniless.
King Abdullah, pleading with Arab leaders to react, said that 'business owners shut factories because supply chains are broken, financing is frozen, and too few customers can afford to buy.'
He added: 'When children quit school early because they see no future ahead, it is our duty to act.'
Despite this, there are still some experts who insist that the forum will not be threatened by the Palestinian situation - or at least will not be dominated by it.
Jordan-based economic expert Fahd al-Faneq believes that in its core the forum is not political, despite an agenda which places political concerns on top.
'The main aim of this conference is being together as businessmen and discussing business opportunities in the region,' al-Faneq said on the sidelines of the conference, adding that the Palestinian cause was not the main issue.
'Many of the participants are economists and businessmen. Evaluating the conference should be directed at the outcome of their meetings, which have not started yet.'
The high-profile meeting brings together participants from 55 countries, in addition to members of the G11, under the theme of 'putting diversity to work.'
The G11 member states are Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Indonesia, Morocco, Honduras, Georgia and Pakistan.
The G11 alliance is dedicated to reducing the financial burdens of its members states, in addition to finding solutions for their economic problems.
The Dead Sea resort in Jordan, which is hosting the World Economic Forum for the fourth time, is heavily fortified during the count down to the meeting, which brings around 700 top politicians in addition to business community leaders to the table of discussions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Arab League chief Amr Moussa are among some of the top delegates.
On the eve of the meeting, reports said that opposition parties and tribunals called for boycotting the conference, because 'its targets run counter to the interests of the Arab peoples.'
They urged Arab governments to 'focus on real domestic development rather than promoting the alleged foreign investments that turn our societies to slaves.'
In addition, around 70 Jordanian and Arab organizations met in nearby Amman to protest the meeting.
The Jordan-based The Star newspaper quoted a statement by human rights activist Hani al-Dahleh saying that the forum 'is taking place amid a suffocating political crisis that engulfs the imperialistic American-Zionist project in the region because of the escalating heroic resistance in Iraq, the defeat of Israel's army in Lebanon and the resistance of the Palestinian people.'
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1306328.php/ANALYSIS_Israeli-Palestinian_council_generates_more_doubt_than_hope
By Pakinam Amer
May 18, 2007, 17:19 GMT
Dead Sea, Jordan - Even as the Jordan-based World Economic Forum began with the announcement of an ambitious Israeli-Palestinian business council on Friday, observers cast doubt on the effectiveness of such an initiative in light of the heavy Hamas-Fatah clashes.
The 10-member council's co-chairs admitted that the political standoff the region was undergoing put the economic situation at stake. In addition, they said 'deep rifts and difficulties' still characterized complicated Israeli and Palestinian relations.
'We do not offer political solutions, but we constitute a community that is able to provide some measure of direction and practical solutions to issues affecting our region,' said Walid al- Najjab, Palestinian co-chair of the business council.
His Israeli counterpart Amos Shapira added: 'We believe our Palestinian colleagues also want to create a better future.'
Both business experts and leaders, however, hoped that the forum will give weight to their 'message' that according to Shapira 'should not be ignored or belittled.'
However the forum, which hosts around 1,500 delegates, is itself weighed down by the violence in the Palestinian territories - a situation which has topped the agenda of the forum
Jordan's King Abdullah urged the Palestinians, Arabs and the international community to act, saying 'Israelis and Palestinians from all walks of life tell us they need and want an end to violence.'
But even as the king's speech highlighted prospects of peace and 'sweeping new opportunities and benefits,' it was marred by the reality of the deteriorating situation around the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
In the war-ravaged territories, unemployment runs high with experts recently placing it at 60 per cent.
An economic blockade, which was put into effect by the international community when radical Hamas came to power, drained the area of its resources and left many families penniless.
King Abdullah, pleading with Arab leaders to react, said that 'business owners shut factories because supply chains are broken, financing is frozen, and too few customers can afford to buy.'
He added: 'When children quit school early because they see no future ahead, it is our duty to act.'
Despite this, there are still some experts who insist that the forum will not be threatened by the Palestinian situation - or at least will not be dominated by it.
Jordan-based economic expert Fahd al-Faneq believes that in its core the forum is not political, despite an agenda which places political concerns on top.
'The main aim of this conference is being together as businessmen and discussing business opportunities in the region,' al-Faneq said on the sidelines of the conference, adding that the Palestinian cause was not the main issue.
'Many of the participants are economists and businessmen. Evaluating the conference should be directed at the outcome of their meetings, which have not started yet.'
The high-profile meeting brings together participants from 55 countries, in addition to members of the G11, under the theme of 'putting diversity to work.'
The G11 member states are Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Indonesia, Morocco, Honduras, Georgia and Pakistan.
The G11 alliance is dedicated to reducing the financial burdens of its members states, in addition to finding solutions for their economic problems.
The Dead Sea resort in Jordan, which is hosting the World Economic Forum for the fourth time, is heavily fortified during the count down to the meeting, which brings around 700 top politicians in addition to business community leaders to the table of discussions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Arab League chief Amr Moussa are among some of the top delegates.
On the eve of the meeting, reports said that opposition parties and tribunals called for boycotting the conference, because 'its targets run counter to the interests of the Arab peoples.'
They urged Arab governments to 'focus on real domestic development rather than promoting the alleged foreign investments that turn our societies to slaves.'
In addition, around 70 Jordanian and Arab organizations met in nearby Amman to protest the meeting.
The Jordan-based The Star newspaper quoted a statement by human rights activist Hani al-Dahleh saying that the forum 'is taking place amid a suffocating political crisis that engulfs the imperialistic American-Zionist project in the region because of the escalating heroic resistance in Iraq, the defeat of Israel's army in Lebanon and the resistance of the Palestinian people.'
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1306328.php/ANALYSIS_Israeli-Palestinian_council_generates_more_doubt_than_hope
Sunday, May 06, 2007
NEWS FEATURE: Iraqi Shiite MP concedes differences with Saudi Arabia (dpa)
Middle East News
By Pakinam Amer
May 5, 2007, 14:23 GMT
Cairo - In the wake of the so-called 'neighbours-plus' conference, a member of the ruling coalition in the Iraqi national assembly said there is 'a misunderstanding' between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments.
In response to remarks made by Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al- Faisal during and after the key conference, Abbas al-Biaty, an MP belonging to the ruling United Iraqi alliance, said that there are differences in views between the two countries, and misunderstanding.
'This we cannot hide,' he added.
Al-Faisal, who was considered one of the key players in the Egypt- based conference, told al-Hayat newspaper's Saturday edition that 'the situation in Iraq is only getting worse' and added: 'We fear that the situation will deteriorate into a civil war.'
The comments were considered an 'exaggeration' by al-Biaty who vehemently denied the possibility of a war based on confessional differences. He said that this and such statements by neighbouring states give 'a wrong message' to the Iraqi people.
'These countries should open up their embassies, and send delegations into Iraq in order to receive reports that correctly mirror the situation in Iraq,' he said. 'The brothers (in neighbouring states) have incorrect information.'
The 18th conference on Iraq since the US-led invasion and ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003 brought together leaders from 21 countries along with top international diplomats but failed to bring about either a short-term or long-term solution for Iraq's troubles.
Al-Faisal's remarks followed the conference which ended Friday and which was regarded by independent observers as a disappointment even though Premier Nuri al-Maliki's government said it regarded it as a 'step' towards national reconciliation and reform.
According to government members, the conference was intended to hail moral support for the Shiite-led cabinet and its internal projects. However, al-Maliki, whose cabinet is under fire from Iraqis for failing to curb the ongoing violence, did not receive the expected support from some of the Arab governments.
During the conference, reports even circulated that al-Faisal had refused to meet with al-Maliki. If this were true it could imply the lack of Saudi support for the Shiite premier.
Such reports have not been confirmed, but al-Biaty said that al- Maliki was 'promised a visit to Saudi Arabia. And this visit never happened.'
When asked by al-Hayat if the Saudi government was willing to back al-Maliki's cabinet, al-Faisal said: 'We do not interfere in the internal matters of Iraq or any other country. This is up to the Iraqis.'
He added that al-Maliki's government has an important role in 'convincing' participants in the upcoming and much-anticipated Iraqi national reconciliation meeting 'that (the Iraqi government) is the side that they should trust.'
He also said that it is up to the Iraqi government to end the troubles of 'all Iraqis.'
Concerning Iraq's armed militias, who are said to have infiltrated army, police and government ranks, al-Faisal said: 'Is it acceptable that militias are part of a legitimate government now?'
In response, al-Biaty said that Saudi support is indeed needed as his country is embracing a new democracy project. But he added that 'Iraq will not accept ready-made recipes (for reconciliation) from either friendly nations or neighbouring ones.'
He also said that Riyadh should facilitate a 'direct meeting' between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments.
'But it is important that (no country) sides with another regional party or one of the concerned factions,' he added.
Saudi Arabia is a strict Sunni state, and in recent statements the Saudi leadership has underlined the importance of incorporating all factions in the Iraqi political arena.
After the fall of Saddam, Sunnis have claimed that they were being systematically targeted and marginalized by both Iraqi and US authorities. Independent observers say this could be the reason why the Saudis are reluctant to offer unconditional support to al-Maliki.
Al-Maliki's ruling coalition, which has the biggest representation in Iraq's parliament, includes members of the Shiite al-Sadr faction. This is led by the feared Muqtada al-Sadr who is blamed - along with his backers - for the raging violence and many attacks across Iraq.
The radical faction is also said to have supporters among police and army forces, who in turn are accused of being 'biased' against some Sunni groups.
More than once, al-Maliki has dodged such accusations, claiming that the government clamps down on extremists from both sides - Shiites and Sunnis - and is equal to all.
But his claims usually fall on deaf ears amid the intense power struggle between both religious factions.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1300669.php/Iraqi_Shiite_MP_concedes_differences_with_Saudi_Arabia__Roundup_
By Pakinam Amer
May 5, 2007, 14:23 GMT
Cairo - In the wake of the so-called 'neighbours-plus' conference, a member of the ruling coalition in the Iraqi national assembly said there is 'a misunderstanding' between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments.
In response to remarks made by Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al- Faisal during and after the key conference, Abbas al-Biaty, an MP belonging to the ruling United Iraqi alliance, said that there are differences in views between the two countries, and misunderstanding.
'This we cannot hide,' he added.
Al-Faisal, who was considered one of the key players in the Egypt- based conference, told al-Hayat newspaper's Saturday edition that 'the situation in Iraq is only getting worse' and added: 'We fear that the situation will deteriorate into a civil war.'
The comments were considered an 'exaggeration' by al-Biaty who vehemently denied the possibility of a war based on confessional differences. He said that this and such statements by neighbouring states give 'a wrong message' to the Iraqi people.
'These countries should open up their embassies, and send delegations into Iraq in order to receive reports that correctly mirror the situation in Iraq,' he said. 'The brothers (in neighbouring states) have incorrect information.'
The 18th conference on Iraq since the US-led invasion and ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003 brought together leaders from 21 countries along with top international diplomats but failed to bring about either a short-term or long-term solution for Iraq's troubles.
Al-Faisal's remarks followed the conference which ended Friday and which was regarded by independent observers as a disappointment even though Premier Nuri al-Maliki's government said it regarded it as a 'step' towards national reconciliation and reform.
According to government members, the conference was intended to hail moral support for the Shiite-led cabinet and its internal projects. However, al-Maliki, whose cabinet is under fire from Iraqis for failing to curb the ongoing violence, did not receive the expected support from some of the Arab governments.
During the conference, reports even circulated that al-Faisal had refused to meet with al-Maliki. If this were true it could imply the lack of Saudi support for the Shiite premier.
Such reports have not been confirmed, but al-Biaty said that al- Maliki was 'promised a visit to Saudi Arabia. And this visit never happened.'
When asked by al-Hayat if the Saudi government was willing to back al-Maliki's cabinet, al-Faisal said: 'We do not interfere in the internal matters of Iraq or any other country. This is up to the Iraqis.'
He added that al-Maliki's government has an important role in 'convincing' participants in the upcoming and much-anticipated Iraqi national reconciliation meeting 'that (the Iraqi government) is the side that they should trust.'
He also said that it is up to the Iraqi government to end the troubles of 'all Iraqis.'
Concerning Iraq's armed militias, who are said to have infiltrated army, police and government ranks, al-Faisal said: 'Is it acceptable that militias are part of a legitimate government now?'
In response, al-Biaty said that Saudi support is indeed needed as his country is embracing a new democracy project. But he added that 'Iraq will not accept ready-made recipes (for reconciliation) from either friendly nations or neighbouring ones.'
He also said that Riyadh should facilitate a 'direct meeting' between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments.
'But it is important that (no country) sides with another regional party or one of the concerned factions,' he added.
Saudi Arabia is a strict Sunni state, and in recent statements the Saudi leadership has underlined the importance of incorporating all factions in the Iraqi political arena.
After the fall of Saddam, Sunnis have claimed that they were being systematically targeted and marginalized by both Iraqi and US authorities. Independent observers say this could be the reason why the Saudis are reluctant to offer unconditional support to al-Maliki.
Al-Maliki's ruling coalition, which has the biggest representation in Iraq's parliament, includes members of the Shiite al-Sadr faction. This is led by the feared Muqtada al-Sadr who is blamed - along with his backers - for the raging violence and many attacks across Iraq.
The radical faction is also said to have supporters among police and army forces, who in turn are accused of being 'biased' against some Sunni groups.
More than once, al-Maliki has dodged such accusations, claiming that the government clamps down on extremists from both sides - Shiites and Sunnis - and is equal to all.
But his claims usually fall on deaf ears amid the intense power struggle between both religious factions.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/news/article_1300669.php/Iraqi_Shiite_MP_concedes_differences_with_Saudi_Arabia__Roundup_
FEATURE: Mecca working women find it hard to be 'free' (dpa)
Middle East Features
By Pakinam Amer
Apr 25, 2007, 4:11 GMT
Mecca - Covered from head-to-toe in black robes, Asmaa usually experiences the world around her through the two slits in her black face-veil. Sometimes, she says, frowns from men even compel her to let down a see-through netting to cover her Kohl-lined eyes.
Every morning, however, when the 26-year-old Saudi woman steps into her air-conditioned office, where only women are allowed, she takes off her scarf, face veil and ankle-length dress, and sits down at her computer - in jeans and a casual top, her hair loose.
Life in the close-knit society of Mecca is not easy for woman who want to do things differently: In the heart of Islamic Saudi Arabia diversity is discouraged and females can only leave the house if they're fully veiled.
In the 'women-only' section of her company, Asmaa explains the restrictions for women at work and in public in Mecca. Her office is separated and receives only female customers because 'mixing' is highly rejected in Mecca society.
Her work conditions, however, are not the only challenges that she faces as a female professional, says Asmaa, who did not want her full name to be disclosed.
Mecca, Asmaa's hometown, is the most sacred site for the world's more than one billion Muslims. The city houses the grand al-Haram mosque with the Kaaba, to which Muslim pilgrims journey and in whose direction Muslims across the world pray five times a day.
However, as a Saudi city, Mecca also strictly abides by Saudi law and a rigid interpretation of Islam, and the government continues to impose tough rules which regulate women's education, behaviour and the level of their role and appearance in public life.
This means more rules to follow for Asmaa, who has lived in Mecca for most of her life. 'I'm an ambitious woman, and I don't like restrictions,' she says.
Like other young women in her community, the customer service representative is seeking post-graduate education and a prestigious job. She also dreams of travelling - all this in a community in which women are frowned upon if they walk the streets without male guardians, either from or designated by their families.
Girls get their education in isolated classes across most high schools and universities. However, the number of approved subjects is restricted.
Earlier this month, a Saudi college admitted female students to study engineering, decoration, embroidery and fashion design, but this was a first and only in order to fill a number of teaching and administrative openings around the kingdom.
Apart from medicine, nursing and teaching in segregated environments, women are usually discouraged from working in any other fields.
Women in Saudi are also banned from driving, so women like Asmaa hav to take taxis to work, or be driven by their fathers or male relatives.
Before her post in Mecca, Asmaa briefly worked in Jeddah, 70 kilometres west, as a call centre employee. This job involved talking to men on the phone, and sharing the office with male colleagues. While her parents agreed with this move, she was frowned upon by the rest of her relatives.
In Jeddah, Asmaa said, she used to wear the face veil during work hours. But even this was not enough, according to Saudi Sheikhs.
Because their tasks involved talking to men, Asmaa and her co- workers were ultimately forced to relocate when a group of Islamic scholars issued a fatwa (Islamic mandate) denouncing jobs in which women communicated with male strangers.
It was unusual for Saudis to have women deal with male clients on the phone, Asmaa admits, adding that they suffered from occasional harassment by clients who tried to flirt.
'Some male callers step out of line when they hear a woman's voice on the other end,' Asmaa says, but insists: 'But that does not mean it's haram (forbidden).'
In Saudi, particularly Mecca, the Islamic Scholars are influential not only in jurisprudence and the implementation of Islamic law in the community, but also in education, as well as public and religious guidance.
Originally, she felt 'liberated' to be in the more open Jeddah community which she said she preferred over Mecca. However, she was angry when she had to leave because of the fatwas, and her company avoided confrontation with the strict Saudi rules.
'When I started working, I did not ask for a fatwa from any sheikhs,' she said, and adds: 'For me, my parent's consent is more important than fatwas.'
After the Islamic ruling, Asmaa pleaded with her superiors not to post her to a back office where her skills would not shine. And because of her talent, she was allowed to move to the sales section in Mecca. However, she says she still dreams of moving to a place where 'the teachings of Islam are not as misread.'
Despite of such problems, Asmaa described her career as 'her life,' adding that she would never allow herself to be forced to leave work - neither by relatives, friends nor by traditional 'marriage suitors.'
'I realize that some people say that work for women is forbidden and that a woman's place is her house,' she said: 'But this is wrong. Aisha (the youngest wife of Prophet Mohammed) used to give lectures to men. People here fail to understand the meaning of this.'
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1296067.php/Mecca_working_women_find_it_hard_to_be_free
By Pakinam Amer
Apr 25, 2007, 4:11 GMT
Mecca - Covered from head-to-toe in black robes, Asmaa usually experiences the world around her through the two slits in her black face-veil. Sometimes, she says, frowns from men even compel her to let down a see-through netting to cover her Kohl-lined eyes.
Every morning, however, when the 26-year-old Saudi woman steps into her air-conditioned office, where only women are allowed, she takes off her scarf, face veil and ankle-length dress, and sits down at her computer - in jeans and a casual top, her hair loose.
Life in the close-knit society of Mecca is not easy for woman who want to do things differently: In the heart of Islamic Saudi Arabia diversity is discouraged and females can only leave the house if they're fully veiled.
In the 'women-only' section of her company, Asmaa explains the restrictions for women at work and in public in Mecca. Her office is separated and receives only female customers because 'mixing' is highly rejected in Mecca society.
Her work conditions, however, are not the only challenges that she faces as a female professional, says Asmaa, who did not want her full name to be disclosed.
Mecca, Asmaa's hometown, is the most sacred site for the world's more than one billion Muslims. The city houses the grand al-Haram mosque with the Kaaba, to which Muslim pilgrims journey and in whose direction Muslims across the world pray five times a day.
However, as a Saudi city, Mecca also strictly abides by Saudi law and a rigid interpretation of Islam, and the government continues to impose tough rules which regulate women's education, behaviour and the level of their role and appearance in public life.
This means more rules to follow for Asmaa, who has lived in Mecca for most of her life. 'I'm an ambitious woman, and I don't like restrictions,' she says.
Like other young women in her community, the customer service representative is seeking post-graduate education and a prestigious job. She also dreams of travelling - all this in a community in which women are frowned upon if they walk the streets without male guardians, either from or designated by their families.
Girls get their education in isolated classes across most high schools and universities. However, the number of approved subjects is restricted.
Earlier this month, a Saudi college admitted female students to study engineering, decoration, embroidery and fashion design, but this was a first and only in order to fill a number of teaching and administrative openings around the kingdom.
Apart from medicine, nursing and teaching in segregated environments, women are usually discouraged from working in any other fields.
Women in Saudi are also banned from driving, so women like Asmaa hav to take taxis to work, or be driven by their fathers or male relatives.
Before her post in Mecca, Asmaa briefly worked in Jeddah, 70 kilometres west, as a call centre employee. This job involved talking to men on the phone, and sharing the office with male colleagues. While her parents agreed with this move, she was frowned upon by the rest of her relatives.
In Jeddah, Asmaa said, she used to wear the face veil during work hours. But even this was not enough, according to Saudi Sheikhs.
Because their tasks involved talking to men, Asmaa and her co- workers were ultimately forced to relocate when a group of Islamic scholars issued a fatwa (Islamic mandate) denouncing jobs in which women communicated with male strangers.
It was unusual for Saudis to have women deal with male clients on the phone, Asmaa admits, adding that they suffered from occasional harassment by clients who tried to flirt.
'Some male callers step out of line when they hear a woman's voice on the other end,' Asmaa says, but insists: 'But that does not mean it's haram (forbidden).'
In Saudi, particularly Mecca, the Islamic Scholars are influential not only in jurisprudence and the implementation of Islamic law in the community, but also in education, as well as public and religious guidance.
Originally, she felt 'liberated' to be in the more open Jeddah community which she said she preferred over Mecca. However, she was angry when she had to leave because of the fatwas, and her company avoided confrontation with the strict Saudi rules.
'When I started working, I did not ask for a fatwa from any sheikhs,' she said, and adds: 'For me, my parent's consent is more important than fatwas.'
After the Islamic ruling, Asmaa pleaded with her superiors not to post her to a back office where her skills would not shine. And because of her talent, she was allowed to move to the sales section in Mecca. However, she says she still dreams of moving to a place where 'the teachings of Islam are not as misread.'
Despite of such problems, Asmaa described her career as 'her life,' adding that she would never allow herself to be forced to leave work - neither by relatives, friends nor by traditional 'marriage suitors.'
'I realize that some people say that work for women is forbidden and that a woman's place is her house,' she said: 'But this is wrong. Aisha (the youngest wife of Prophet Mohammed) used to give lectures to men. People here fail to understand the meaning of this.'
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
© Copyright 2006,2007 by monstersandcritics.com.
This notice cannot be removed without permission.
Link: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/middleeast/features/article_1296067.php/Mecca_working_women_find_it_hard_to_be_free
FEATURE: Mecca residents feel abandoned by Saudi government (dpa)
By Pakinam Amer, dpa
First Published: 14 April 2007
Mecca - Although billions of dollars are invested in Mecca projects, many of the holy city’s residents say that they feel abandoned by the Saudi government.
They claim that the rulers pool their money into services and projects around the grand mosque of Al Haram to which pilgrims flock all year round, while the rest of the city is largely abandoned.
“Here there is no care for us, or our streets. There is no electricity or water in some areas. Mecca people are forgotten people,” said 27-year-old Sami Al Mouled.
Mecca, 73 kilometres east of Jeddah, is a sacred site for over one billion Muslims worldwide. But despite the pride that Mecca inhabitants manifest for their city being the location of the Kaaba - the cubic building believed to have been built by Abraham as a destination for believers - they say other parts of the city need more attention.
Around the mosque of Al Haram, in the heart of the old city, the Saudi government have been launching renovation and expansion projects aimed at providing better facilities, air-conditioned shopping malls and residential towers for pilgrims. So far, around 50 hotels and modern towers occupy the area.
According to Mecca’s official website, the Al Haram mosque’s northern courtyard is expected to eventually cover around 1.2 million square metres.
In the same area, Abraj Al bait, a multi-billion-dollar tower under construction, which is designed to be the largest building in the world by mass, will have a grand prayer space which is expected to accommodate several thousand visitors.
Roads into the heart of the city are clean and paved. Meanwhile the city is removing all “obstacles” around the area of the Al Haram. Several traditional markets and stores are being closed down and relocated in order to install roads in their place.
Abraj Al Bait itself replaced the Ottoman-era Ajiad fort, which was more than 200 years old. The new tower should house hundreds of thousands of “A-class worshippers” who can afford its luxurious five- stars bedrooms.
In the height of the pilgrimage seasons, hotels overlooking the grand mosque charge an average of 10,000 dollars for 10-days accommodation in regular rooms, according to Naef Ghassal, a travel advisor based in Mecca.
Neighbourhoods around the Kaaba swarm with apparel shops and Muslim accessories. Fast food restaurants are also in abundance, in addition to travel agencies. Sellers hawking prayer mats, beads and religion booklets fill the streets.
Begging for renovation
In contrast and only several kilometres away from Al Haram, some Mecca streets are begging for renovation. As billions of Saudi Riyals are willingly spent in some districts, other streets are completely overlooked despite petitioning by the residents.
According to the local Mecca-based Al Nadwa newspaper, some old streets like Al Bayary is in close proximity to Al Haram but suffers from lack of electricity and water facilities in addition to sewerage problems.
Residents of the area are forced to buy fresh water from profit- making sources who, they claim, exploit their need and sell water at high prices.
In Jabal Abu-Lahab, an area where foreign and Saudi Muslims live, garbage-riddled alleys are what meets the eye. Here can be found dumped vehicles and stray animals, which residents fear for both sanitary and safety reasons.
Deserted houses are also common, which according to Al Nadwa are houses that could be used for crime or by “those weak in souls.”
Arguably, renovating these streets would not cost the state much, but would certainly make a difference in the lives of the residents.
And although authorities promise that money lavished on Al Haram projects is well-spent and will open up thousands of jobs for Mecca residents, Saudis living in this area - youths topping the list - are frustrated.
Al Mouled is one of them. He says that the situation “is getting worse” by the day and that young people are dreaming of leaving the country all together for opportunities elsewhere.
The young Saudi, who studied sales and merchandising, is unemployed like many his age. He explains that “any work in Mecca needs capital and resources, which many young men here do not have.” Government and white-collar jobs require high qualifications and perhaps “nepotism,” he says.
There is no official statistics available, but observers say that unemployment among youth in the city could be as high as 50 per cent. Youths are finding it harder to find jobs or get married at a convenient age.
“Unless you know your way around in the pilgrimage business, your case is lost,” claims Al Mouled who believes that some people ”exploit” pilgrims for money.
Apart from working in the “big pilgrimage business,” and some other trades, Al Mouled and his like only have the choice of working as freelance travel guides during the time of Haj pilgrimage.
A motawef (a pilgrim’s guide) is ideally a self-employed guide who provides pilgrims with accommodation and transportation during the high seasons. But Al Mouled claims that this business is often “corrupted” and only some people “would know what to do and would want to do it.”
Indeed, many pilgrims - especially those who can’t afford the towers and the fancy hotels - depend on the guides for help.
But many of them are deceived and are promised clean hotel rooms, good food and reliable transportation. However, when they come to Mecca, filthy overcrowded studio-like flats and extra charges await them.
Link: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/todaysfeatures/2007/April/todaysfeatures_April28.xml§ion=todaysfeatures&col=
First Published: 14 April 2007
Mecca - Although billions of dollars are invested in Mecca projects, many of the holy city’s residents say that they feel abandoned by the Saudi government.
They claim that the rulers pool their money into services and projects around the grand mosque of Al Haram to which pilgrims flock all year round, while the rest of the city is largely abandoned.
“Here there is no care for us, or our streets. There is no electricity or water in some areas. Mecca people are forgotten people,” said 27-year-old Sami Al Mouled.
Mecca, 73 kilometres east of Jeddah, is a sacred site for over one billion Muslims worldwide. But despite the pride that Mecca inhabitants manifest for their city being the location of the Kaaba - the cubic building believed to have been built by Abraham as a destination for believers - they say other parts of the city need more attention.
Around the mosque of Al Haram, in the heart of the old city, the Saudi government have been launching renovation and expansion projects aimed at providing better facilities, air-conditioned shopping malls and residential towers for pilgrims. So far, around 50 hotels and modern towers occupy the area.
According to Mecca’s official website, the Al Haram mosque’s northern courtyard is expected to eventually cover around 1.2 million square metres.
In the same area, Abraj Al bait, a multi-billion-dollar tower under construction, which is designed to be the largest building in the world by mass, will have a grand prayer space which is expected to accommodate several thousand visitors.
Roads into the heart of the city are clean and paved. Meanwhile the city is removing all “obstacles” around the area of the Al Haram. Several traditional markets and stores are being closed down and relocated in order to install roads in their place.
Abraj Al Bait itself replaced the Ottoman-era Ajiad fort, which was more than 200 years old. The new tower should house hundreds of thousands of “A-class worshippers” who can afford its luxurious five- stars bedrooms.
In the height of the pilgrimage seasons, hotels overlooking the grand mosque charge an average of 10,000 dollars for 10-days accommodation in regular rooms, according to Naef Ghassal, a travel advisor based in Mecca.
Neighbourhoods around the Kaaba swarm with apparel shops and Muslim accessories. Fast food restaurants are also in abundance, in addition to travel agencies. Sellers hawking prayer mats, beads and religion booklets fill the streets.
Begging for renovation
In contrast and only several kilometres away from Al Haram, some Mecca streets are begging for renovation. As billions of Saudi Riyals are willingly spent in some districts, other streets are completely overlooked despite petitioning by the residents.
According to the local Mecca-based Al Nadwa newspaper, some old streets like Al Bayary is in close proximity to Al Haram but suffers from lack of electricity and water facilities in addition to sewerage problems.
Residents of the area are forced to buy fresh water from profit- making sources who, they claim, exploit their need and sell water at high prices.
In Jabal Abu-Lahab, an area where foreign and Saudi Muslims live, garbage-riddled alleys are what meets the eye. Here can be found dumped vehicles and stray animals, which residents fear for both sanitary and safety reasons.
Deserted houses are also common, which according to Al Nadwa are houses that could be used for crime or by “those weak in souls.”
Arguably, renovating these streets would not cost the state much, but would certainly make a difference in the lives of the residents.
And although authorities promise that money lavished on Al Haram projects is well-spent and will open up thousands of jobs for Mecca residents, Saudis living in this area - youths topping the list - are frustrated.
Al Mouled is one of them. He says that the situation “is getting worse” by the day and that young people are dreaming of leaving the country all together for opportunities elsewhere.
The young Saudi, who studied sales and merchandising, is unemployed like many his age. He explains that “any work in Mecca needs capital and resources, which many young men here do not have.” Government and white-collar jobs require high qualifications and perhaps “nepotism,” he says.
There is no official statistics available, but observers say that unemployment among youth in the city could be as high as 50 per cent. Youths are finding it harder to find jobs or get married at a convenient age.
“Unless you know your way around in the pilgrimage business, your case is lost,” claims Al Mouled who believes that some people ”exploit” pilgrims for money.
Apart from working in the “big pilgrimage business,” and some other trades, Al Mouled and his like only have the choice of working as freelance travel guides during the time of Haj pilgrimage.
A motawef (a pilgrim’s guide) is ideally a self-employed guide who provides pilgrims with accommodation and transportation during the high seasons. But Al Mouled claims that this business is often “corrupted” and only some people “would know what to do and would want to do it.”
Indeed, many pilgrims - especially those who can’t afford the towers and the fancy hotels - depend on the guides for help.
But many of them are deceived and are promised clean hotel rooms, good food and reliable transportation. However, when they come to Mecca, filthy overcrowded studio-like flats and extra charges await them.
Link: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/todaysfeatures/2007/April/todaysfeatures_April28.xml§ion=todaysfeatures&col=
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