Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, CDHR, Washington DC

April 4, 2019

Crumbling U.S./Saudi Relations, Triumphant Women Activists, Escalated Repression

CDHR’s Analysis and Commentaries

Has the U.S./Saudi Relationship Outlived Its Economic and Strategic Significance?

CDHR Analysis: One of the world’s best kept secrets, the lucrative contract between democratic America and autocratic Saudi Arabia, is crumbling due to varieties of causes, including cunning m aneuvers (manipulations due to cultural differences and business practices,) to heightened tensions, to new energy sources and to a wide range of more stable, profitable and relevant economic and strategic options. From its formalized inception in 1945, the U.S./Saudi relationship has been based on mistrust and, on the Saudi side, lack of both viable protectors and concern for evolving human ingenuity with its consequential political, economic and social impacts. Read More: www.cdhr.info

Why was Treason Added to the Saudi Penal Code?

CDHR Commentary: “Tickfeer,” (sacrilege) has been used by Saudi authorities to silence and eliminate people deemed potential leaders who have the moral courage to express their views regarding the Sau di rulers’ repressive and discriminatory policies, under which the people has suffered for centuries. Under the arbitrary Saudi Shariah law, this “divine” accusation (labeling people infidels) can incur the ultimate price, the death sentence. Recently, Prince Mohammed introduced “treason” to the Saudi penal code. Treason is as deadly as or deadlier than accusing people of blasphemy because it is interpreted to mean betrayal of the ruler’s supreme authority and wisdom not to err, as determined by the state's Shariah interpreters. Read More:www.cdhr.info

Despite Wrenching Pleas Not to, Mariah Carey Went for the Saudi Money

CDHR Commentary: As this and ot her reports have revealed recently, incarcerated women’s rights advocates like Loujain Al-Hathloul, Eman Al-Nafjan and Aziza Al-Yousef and many more, have been subjected to unspeakable treatment, including rape, flogging, electric shock and threats by Crown Prince Mohammed’s professional torturer, Saud Al-Qahtani. Appallingly, these barbaric treatments of peaceful Saudi women did not stop singer Mariah Carey from traveling to Saudi Arabia to entertain a mostly male audience, including those who give orders to torture women for advocating an end to women’s enslavement and the Saudi apartheid system. Read More: www.cdhr.info

The Lesser of Two Evils, Death or "Slavery"

CDHR Commentary: In addition to the “two Saudi girls found dead and duct-taped together in the Hudson River,” these two sisters (hiding in Hong Kong) and Rahaf Mohammed who barricaded herself in an airport hotel in Thailand, show what Saudi citizens, especially women, have to go through to seek a “normal and dignified life” in non-Muslim countries. An increasing number of young Saudi women are willing to risk their lives to be free.

Egypt's Grand Mufti Lionizes Saudi King and Son for Service to Islam

CDHR Commentary: As this article demonstrates, Muslim religious establishments and institutions are and have been subservient to Muslim ruling autocrats since Islam was established about fourteen centuries ago. Muftis (Highest religious clerics) are appointed, financed and protected by the rulers who use them to legitimize their rules and to justify their suppression of their disenfranchised populations. Read More: www.cdhr.info