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Geopolitics

United Kingdom

ARABICA - A Daily Shot Of What the Arab World is Saying/Hearing/Sharing

Kristen Gillespie

A R A B I C A ارابيكا

POPULAR THREAT

The Facebook page of the "Syrian Revolution 2011" currently features a menacing message promising surprises for the Syrian regime. The message reads:   "On this day, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, and after putting our faith in God, we shall surprise the oppressive and terrorist police state in Syria with a number of gifts to be delivered by the free people of Syria to Bashar al-Assad in response to his humorous speech, which seems to have only amused the corrupted idiots lined up on the benches of the so-called People's Assembly. Today they will know that the people of Syria are not cowards and that martyrdom for the sake of a free nation is a dream and a goal for all protesters. We shall build the future for our children ... reclaim the rights of our fathers ... Revolution until victory."

POPULAR SCRIPT

A work of Arabic calligraphy done in the colors of the Syrian flag reads: "A traitorin red is he who beats his own people." In the upper left corner, the small writing reads, "The Syrian people know their path."

QATAR EMIR SPEAKS

*Some in the Arab media have been questioning Qatar's seemingly contradictory motives by propping up Libya's rebels, while participating in a Gulf-mediated peace process between Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the opposition that would likely keep Saleh in power. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamid al-Thani, told Al Jazeera that it is the weakness of the Arab League that explains why the West is intervening in Qatar. The emir said he hopes changes will occur at the League so it can play its proper role.

SAUDI WOMEN SPEAK UP

*A group of Saudi women protests in front of the Ministry of Civil Service to demand better benefits and pay.

*Meanwhile, three female Saudi bloggers launch Saudi-leaks.org to monitor what happens after enormous spending projects are announced with much fanfare in the media. One of the top stories notes that the official media is calling the new Ministry of Education headquarters "complete." Saudi-leaks reports that after an expense of $133 million, only four floors and the basement are done, a far cry from what the completed building was supposed to look like in the picture (also posted).

April 5, 2011

photo credit: illustir