The spurt of volcanic activity in northwestern Saudi Arabia a few years ago – coupled, I suppose, with the recent earthquake in the eastern US – is focusing attention in Saudi Arabia. Currently, the building codes, often ignored, do not take earthquakes into account. Geologists and public safety officials think this needs to change. If such building codes are effected, it will mean considerable new expense in building in cities like Mecca and Medinah, as well as in earthquake-prone areas like Jizan. They also call for revisions in the country’s disaster planning to take into account the possibility of catastrophic damage, Saudi Gazette reports.
Call for experts body to identify areas prone to volcanoes, quakes
SAUDI GAZETTEAL-QUNFUDAH — The National Center for Earthquakes and Volcanoes (NCEV) has called for the formation of a committee consisting of experts to determine the dangerous volcanic areas.
Hani Muhmoud Zahran, Director General of the NCEV at the Saudi Geological Survey, also emphasized the importance of enforcing a construction code in areas susceptible to earthquakes and volcanoes, particularly Jizan, Makkah and Madina, Al-Madina Arabic daily quoted him as saying Saturday.
He said preparations and arrangements to deal with the natural disaster and public awareness have effectively helped in limiting the losses and damages to lives and properties.
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In the US, the principal issue that pits science against religion is Evolution. In Saudi Arabia, it’s that, but also considerably more limited issues, like ‘When can you see the crescent moon.’
Saudi Gazette reports that religious scholars are upset that astronomers have publicly doubted the scholars’ assertions that the crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal – and thus the end of Ramadan – was sighted on Ramadan 29 (August 29 this year). According to the astronomers, that would have been a physical impossibility.
According to Arab News, the scholars are so upset that they’re threatening to take the astronomers to court for impugning their integrity. The Grand Mufti, in fact, is calling the astronomers, “motivated and deviated people with foul mouths.” The scholars cite the impeccable integrity of those who said they saw the crescent moon. Classical logic would call that an error, an ‘Appeal to Authority‘. While an appeal to authority may be correct, unless the person making the assertion is an expert on the subject matter, it is considered a logical fallacy. I’m unaware of any expertise involved in saying you saw the moon, however. One’s fabulous ancestry doesn’t make one an expert, only one less likely to state an untruth. It hardly constitutes proof, but when science and religion cross swords, proof isn’t always the issue.
Astronomer threatened with lawsuit
for doubting Eid moon sighting
MD HUMAIDAN | ARAB NEWSJEDDAH: A number of conservative scholars have threatened to sue Saudi astronomer and scientist Khaled Al-Zaaq for doubting the testimony of citizens who reported to the Hilal panel (moon sighting committee) that the Shawwal crescent was visible on Ramadan 29 (Aug. 29).
After confirming the veracity of the sighting by the people who had reported to the panel, the committee declared the end to the fasting month of Ramadan and signaled the advent of Eid Al-Fitr the next day (Tuesday).
The threats of action came amidst an ongoing debate between Muslim scholars and astronomers about the possibility and probability of sighting the moon on Aug. 29. The astronomers claim the moon could not be sighted on that day as it had eclipsed before sunset.
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The progressive American political group Center for American Progress has published an extensive report on Islamophobia Fear, Inc.: The Roots of the Islamophobia Network in America. The 140-page report (70 double PDF pages at the link) takes a look at what Islamophobia is, who is funding it, who is serving as the ideologues and message carriers. It makes for interesting reading.
The report points to how noted American Islamophobes like Robert Spencer and Daniel Pipes selectively (and often inaccurately) pick information about Islam and Shariah Law, take them out of context, and create frightful scenarios in order to drive anti-Muslim public policy. This is true. The report, however, does its own share of cherry-picking data and ad hominem attacks. Thus, the report needs to be taken with a grain of salt itself.
Robert Spencer retorts with his own heated defense here, finding the report the result of an ‘Islamic Propaganda Machine’. Spencer’s response is full of his own name-calling and casting of aspersions, but he gets his point across.
A more accurate portrayal of Islamic law in America can be found in a The New York Times commentary by Eliyahu Stern:
Don’t Fear Islamic Law in America
Eliyahu SternMORE than a dozen American states are considering outlawing aspects of Shariah law. Some of these efforts would curtail Muslims from settling disputes over dietary laws and marriage through religious arbitration, while others would go even further in stigmatizing Islamic life: a bill recently passed by the Tennessee General Assembly equates Shariah with a set of rules that promote “the destruction of the national existence of the United States.”
Supporters of these bills contend that such measures are needed to protect the country against homegrown terrorism and safeguard its Judeo-Christian values. The Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has said that “Shariah is a mortal threat to the survival of freedom in the United States and in the world as we know it.”
This is exactly wrong. The crusade against Shariah undermines American democracy, ignores our country’s successful history of religious tolerance and assimilation, and creates a dangerous divide between America and its fastest-growing religious minority.
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Over the past years, I’ve been writing about the intersection of American secular laws and religious establishments. While the Church and State are separate in the US, American law has always ##en since the time of the writing of the Constitution ##en made room for religious law in certain corners of jurisprudence. This has generally involved matters of arbitration, with the parties being able to decide beforehand which entities would adjudicate contracts of various sorts. It has also involved ‘choice of law‘ provisions in contracts. This is not new; it is not dangerous; it is not some camel’s nose being thrust under the tent of American values.
Fear-mongering can be an effective political tool. It can be used to motivate masses and raise massive funds. It is also despicable. As we come to the 10th anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11, when Muslim extremists – including 15 Saudis – attacked targets in the US, we can expect to see more and sharper criticism of Muslims. That’s unfortunate, but perhaps to be expected. It can be ignored for its political import, but should be condemned for the way it demeans and smears the reputation of the millions of American Muslims who oppose extremism and the billion-plus Muslims around the world.
Someone at Arab News has a sense of humor. Today’s paper has an article about the safety concerns of visitors to Saudi amusement parks. That this comes after the dust-up at a Rye, New York amusement park where headcoverings of any type were banned from certain rides is, well, wry.
Safety is a legitimate concern at amusement parks, however. While infrequent, when accidents happen they tend to be horrendous. This had led to the demise of the smaller amusement parks and particularly of the traveling fairground in the US. Old equipment, not well maintained was the norm. It’s still the norm at some Saudi parks. Whether these parks go for bans on headcoverings is doubtful, but they should be subject to regular safety inspections at the least.
Visitors voice concern over lack of safety at amusement parks
BADEA ABU AL-NAJA | ARAB NEWSMAKKAH: Amusement parks and public gardens, which represent major outlets for Saudi families’ leisure activities, especially during Eids and other holidays, have come in for sharp criticism for their poor safety standards.
During this Eid holidays, citizens voiced their disapproval as well as concerns on the poor state of these parks, but many stressed on the lack of safety and use of old equipment and rides, which were just painted to look new.
Arab News met with a number of Saudi citizens on this issue and nearly all of them were scathing in their attacks at the state of these parks.
Muhammad Hammoud, a citizen, said these parks lack the simplest of safety tools and questioned who was ultimately responsible for the protection of the lives of the people.
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I find it interesting to see how various Saudi analysts and commentators view the United States and its politics. Few of them live in the US, though many have lived here for varying lengths of time. The duration of their stays doesn’t always affect their perceptions, though in many cases it does color them. More frequently, their perceptions are governed by what they read in American and other media. Such is the case with Hussein Shobokshi’s piece in Asharq Alawsat. Unfortunately, he’s taking guidance from those who don’t know the territory very well themselves.
Religion and the US presidential race
Hussein ShobokshiWhilst the Arab world is busy monitoring the Arab revolutions taking place in our region, and trying to gauge their results and implications, talk about the role of religion in politics and nation-building has once again come to prominence. Indeed, this has become one of the most important topics of concern for public opinion today. It is interesting that this concern does not affect the Arabs exclusively, for there are indications that religion will be an extremely hot topic at the forthcoming US 2012 presidential elections, particularly in light of the clear contrast between the religious background of the different US presidential candidates. In fact, we appear to be facing the most religiously diverse group of US presidential candidates in the history of American presidential elections.
The initial evidence of [the heated religious debate in America] stems from a controversial issue which has repeatedly reared its head in recent months, namely the religious background of current U.S. President Barack Obama, or the “secret Muslim” as he is described by his right-wing critics. Adding further fuel to the religious debate in the US is Republican candidate from the Tea Party movement, Michele Bachman, who is known for her fanatical, evangelical orientation. The same applies to right-wing Republican candidate from Texas, Rick Perry, who is a United Methodist.
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At this point in 2011, presidential politics is in a very preliminary stage. Potential candidates in the Republic Party are jockeying to both gain name recognition and to distinguish themselves from their competitors. So far, it seems that no Democrat is willing to challenge Pres. Obama for the party’s nomination, so that side of the equation is simply missing from analysis.
The Republican contenders come from a variety of religious backgrounds, but all so far are Christian. Some are ‘mainstream’, others are from more heterodox groups though just where one draws the lines will depend on who’s drawing the lines. For many, Mormons (Church of the Latter Day Saints) is ‘normal’; for others, it’s well out of the mainstream. Lutherans are generally considered among the ‘mainstream’, but not all groups within Lutheranism are unanimous on many issues.
Shobokshi’s commentary seems to miss entirely the friction and conflict within the Republican Party to decide which are the principal issues. On one hand are fiscal conservatives who believe that government spending is out of control, that the government is piling up debt that will take generations to repay, and that the profligacy needs to stop. Among this group are those who think that the size of government is a major part of the fiscal problem: big governments spend more than limited governments. This is, essentially, the Tea Party. The group is not particularly concerned with social issues. It has a more libertarian bent, believing that people are capable of making up their own minds over moral issues and that government has a very small role to play in these decisions.
Opposing them within the Republican Party &endash; or conservatism in general &endash; are the social conservatives. These, usually acting out of religious belief and values, wants to see more government involvement in social and moral issues. Whether it’s abortion, gay rights, and yes, the teaching of Evolution and sex education in the classroom. Social conservatives have been on the margins of American politics for the past 50 years, sometimes having more influence with a given White House, sometimes less. They have been able to raise vast sums to support politicians of whom they approve, but have been mostly ineffectual beyond the election of members of the House of Representatives. Their money and votes have been courted by many, even at the presidential level, but they’ve little to show for their support.
For these elections, the social conservatives are attempting to hitch a ride on the fiscal conservative coattails. They are, in fact, attempting to wrest control over the conservative movement in general. I doubt this is going to happen, though, because the religious groups are not at all unified on just what they demand. At present, they are at verbal war with each other. None of the more extreme groups is going to succeed, I think. Instead, there will be a candidate that is middle-of-the-road on social issues, with the road somewhat more conservative than that of the Democratic Party. But not extremely different.
Bryan York, writing for the conservative Washington Examiner explains this dynamic well, I think. His piece also points to the American media that seem to be informing Shobokshi.
I think Shobokshi errs in reading the conflicts now taking place among the putative candidates for the conflict that will arise during the presidential campaign where one candidate from each party squares off.
UPDATE: I may be premature in saying that Pres. Obama would receive the Democratic Party’s nomination uncontestedly. It seems that there are Democrats out there seeking a primary challenge against the President.
Arab News runs several pieces in which Saudis complain about what they see as price-gouging by merchants taking advantage of high demand over the holiday season. I’m not sure there’s much news in this as the economic law of supply and demand seems to be working as expected. When lots of people want something (demand is high), then those who have that something can charge more for it (supply is limited). While the Saudi government does subsidize certain products, among them basic foodstuffs, it does not support a socialist economy.
The goods and services being complained about are not necessities. They are luxuries, or at minimum, conveniences. I doubt that the government much cares about the these prices which have been rising anyway due to global economic conditions.
The one area in which the government will show concern is the price of sheep, not now, but for the next eid at the end of Haj. Eid Al-Adha calls for the sacrifice of a sheep (or other animal) in commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Ismael for Muslims, Jacob for Jews and Christians). Here, the government oversees the importation of sacrificial animals and sets both prices and conditions for sale.
Makkah restaurateurs inflate prices for Eid
BADEA ABU AL-NAJA | ARAB NEWSMAKKAH: A number of citizens and residents have expressed their anguish over attempts by some restaurants and kitchens in the city to increase prices of food during Eid Al-Fitr.
Jassim Hassan, a Saudi, said the owner of the kitchen, whom he approached for cooking a sheep for a dinner party, demanded that he should buy the sheep from them. “If I purchase the sheep from them it will cost SR1,300 in addition to SR300 for cooking,” he said.
In the sheep market the price ranges from SR800 to SR1,000.
He urged the municipality to take action against such owners who increase prices during Eid. “This happens during every Eid holidays,” he pointed out.
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‘Obhurrent’ rip-off for Eid revelers
MD HUMAIDAN | ARAB NEWSPublished: Aug 31, 2011 23:47 Updated: Aug 31, 2011 23:47
Get ready to dish out SR1,000 for an hour of jet ski ride and SR2,000 for sailboat
JEDDAH: The number of residents and visitors to Jeddah preferring a brief leisure time at the sea is on the rise — especially during the Eid holidays. But their choice of breezing on a watercraft or take a leisurely cruise is now coming at a premium with the owners of the jet skis and boats hiking the rentals during the Eid holidays.
Despite the high price, the cruises during the evenings and jet ski rides during the day at Obhur, water sports are on the rise. The number of visitors to this spot is also going up as it is one of the popular beach resorts in the region.
“The activities are in demand despite the soaring prices of boats and jet skis. The rent of a jet ski has reached SR1,000 while that of sailboats SR2,000,” according to a cruise organizer.
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Ramadan over, the quest for sweets begins
MOLOUK Y. BA-ISA | ARAB NEWSPublished: Aug 30, 2011 23:20 Updated: Sep 1, 2011 22:05
ALKHOBAR: On Monday night in Alkhobar, the announcement came on Saudi TV for Eid Al-Fitr. Isha prayer finished and then the mad dash to Prince Faisal bin Fahd Street began.
Whereas much of the shopping associated with Eid has moved to modern malls, in the hours before the Eid prayer thousands of people still make the annual trek to “Pepsi Road,” to buy confectionery, from sugared almonds to halgum.
By 10 p.m., Prince Faisal bin Fahd Street westbound had turned into a parking lot. Three policemen were trying to get traffic moving but it was useless. With the vehicles at a standstill, the passenger side doors popped open and abaya-covered women erupted into the street, abandoning their drivers to the tender mercies of the traffic officers. Of course, that just made the situation worse, because drivers were afraid to proceed with all the black-clad pedestrians maneuvering across the roadway in the dark. The police would clear the 100-meter stretch in front of the candy stores, the next group of vehicles would move in and the scene repeated. It went on for hours.
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