This first web site is sponsored by Saudi Arabian citizens seeking cultural and governmental reform in Saudi Arabia. I suggest that you begin your exploration of it with their Mission statement, followed by their FAQ (Frequently asked questions) link. Then pursue any of the topics they list. For example, under Saudi Fundamentalism you will find not only the text of a brief article on Wahabbism but also links to Amnesty International's Human Rights Reports for the past 7 years (1996 - 2002), links to the US State Department's Human Rights Reports for the past 8 years, and links to the Middle East Watch for the past 2 years.
The site has a decided point of view and it says some very bold things, as in this paragraph taken from their FAQ page
Saudhouse.com views Israel as the only true democracy in the Middle East (Democracy, very simply, is having the choice to decide your leader by a majority, uncontested votes of the population in accordance with a Constitution that supports free elections) and Saudhouse.com views Israel with admiration and jealousy. Israel's parliamentary system gives its citizens, whether they are Orthodox or Sectarian Liberals, a voice in their government, something Saudhouse.com believes should be the goal of every country in the Middle East. One cannot, when compared to other societies, but admire the Parliamentary system under which it operates.
If you want an entirely different perspective on Saudi Arabia, follow this second link to the National Museum of Saudia Arabia. National Museum There are 2 "tours" available, one in English the other in Arabic.
The third link is to Wikepedia, a free on-line encyclopedia, and its pages about Saudi Arabia. Wikipedia Link
Posted by Donald Douglas at October 18, 2003 01:11 PM | TrackBack