Comments on: War on Terror: February 26, 2007 [UPDATED] http://xrdarabia.org/2007/02/27/war-on-terror-february-26-2007/ Informed comment and commentary about Saudi Arabia, reform, and its relations with the US Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:41:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: John Burgess http://xrdarabia.org/2007/02/27/war-on-terror-february-26-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-2375 John Burgess Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:48:49 +0000 http://xrdarabia.org/?p=2765#comment-2375 Thanks very much for the information. To date, this story has resulted in rather little coverage in the American media beyond factual reporting. That may be because the story is a complicated one. Were the French strictly non-Muslim, there's a template in which to place the story and its resultant commentary. Were they all Muslim, a different narrative template is available. As the group seems to have been mixed Muslim and non-Muslim, it doesn't fit into any template and requires harder thinking. That may come about as more facts are learned. At this moment, what it means is really unknown. I think the Saudi government's restraint is correct at the moment. But as more becomes known, more will have to be said. Thanks very much for the information.

To date, this story has resulted in rather little coverage in the American media beyond factual reporting. That may be because the story is a complicated one. Were the French strictly non-Muslim, there’s a template in which to place the story and its resultant commentary. Were they all Muslim, a different narrative template is available.

As the group seems to have been mixed Muslim and non-Muslim, it doesn’t fit into any template and requires harder thinking. That may come about as more facts are learned.

At this moment, what it means is really unknown. I think the Saudi government’s restraint is correct at the moment. But as more becomes known, more will have to be said.

]]> By: american_bedu http://xrdarabia.org/2007/02/27/war-on-terror-february-26-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-2374 american_bedu Wed, 28 Feb 2007 11:59:22 +0000 http://xrdarabia.org/?p=2765#comment-2374 Speculation is flowing abundantly in the Kingdom right now with theories that the victims were attacked by beudions, islamic militants, as well as Al-Qaida. Facts as you have accurately portrayed are that there have been fatalities of male French nationals and last night's local news here in the Kingdom showed two of the victims bodies being prayed over in Medina indicating at least that part of the group were indeed Muslim. It is known that the incident took place in a tribal area near Maidan Saleh which is an area open to all -- not restricted to Muslims only such as Mecca and Medina. However it is quite unlikely that noone is aware of or someone from the tribal area did not see the incident. Little goes unnoticed or unknown in tribal regions. Not surprisingly the authorities are releasing few details but sticking to the basic facts such as who, where, and when. The How and why remain of speculation and topics of hot discussion. It should be noted that the Saudi authorities in conjunction with French authorities are working closely together to identify and apprehend the attackers. It's hoped that such an incident does not stir up a new round of "Saudi-bashing and paranoia." In my opinion this tragic incident was an isolated incident and truly a target of opportunity for the attackers. Please keep up your excellent notices and commentaries. Regards, American Bedu (Riyadh resident) Speculation is flowing abundantly in the Kingdom right now with theories that the victims were attacked by beudions, islamic militants, as well as Al-Qaida. Facts as you have accurately portrayed are that there have been fatalities of male French nationals and last night’s local news here in the Kingdom showed two of the victims bodies being prayed over in Medina indicating at least that part of the group were indeed Muslim. It is known that the incident took place in a tribal area near Maidan Saleh which is an area open to all — not restricted to Muslims only such as Mecca and Medina. However it is quite unlikely that noone is aware of or someone from the tribal area did not see the incident. Little goes unnoticed or unknown in tribal regions. Not surprisingly the authorities are releasing few details but sticking to the basic facts such as who, where, and when. The How and why remain of speculation and topics of hot discussion. It should be noted that the Saudi authorities in conjunction with French authorities are working closely together to identify and apprehend the attackers. It’s hoped that such an incident does not stir up a new round of “Saudi-bashing and paranoia.” In my opinion this tragic incident was an isolated incident and truly a target of opportunity for the attackers.

Please keep up your excellent notices and commentaries.

Regards,
American Bedu (Riyadh resident)

]]> By: John Burgess http://xrdarabia.org/2007/02/27/war-on-terror-february-26-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-2373 John Burgess Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:00:51 +0000 http://xrdarabia.org/?p=2765#comment-2373 Thanks! Thanks!

]]> By: FreeCyprus http://xrdarabia.org/2007/02/27/war-on-terror-february-26-2007/comment-page-1/#comment-2372 FreeCyprus Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:24:50 +0000 http://xrdarabia.org/?p=2765#comment-2372 You put a lot of work into your site. I am a frequent visitor (from different IPs). Keep up the good work. FC You put a lot of work into your site. I am a frequent visitor (from different IPs).

Keep up the good work.

FC

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