A woman walks around Saudi King Abdullah's road in Riyadh, April 10, 2009. For Saudi women, the internet has been a critical boon, providing a virtual leap over the many restrictions they face. (Fahad Shadeed/Reuters)
Saudi women revel in online lives
Internet gives Saudi women a rare outlet for social interaction.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Ashwaq’s father had heard the scary stories about men using the internet to seduce young, impressionable girls. So when his three daughters asked permission to go online, the answer was an emphatic "no."
But the girls persisted and he eventually relented — a bit. They each could spend a half hour a day browsing the web.
With...
Recent on Saudi Arabia:
Obama struggles to meet high expectations in the Middle East
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - January 21, 2010 12:30 ET
Arab policymakers hope that the fledgling administration can still succeed where predecessors failed.
Where making movies is making trouble
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - December 3, 2009 14:30 ET
Their work is often branded too racy or "un-Islamic," and banned. But Saudi filmmakers persist.
Analysis: What is behind Saudi offensive in Yemen
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - November 23, 2009 11:00 ET
Fear of Iran is a key factor in Riyadh stepping up its military campaign against the Houthi rebels.
Will the hajj be an incubator for swine flu?
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - November 4, 2009 16:32 ET
Millions walk, pray and eat together during the hajj. How Saudi Arabia is trying to minimize the swine flu risks.
Saudi riots reveal society's fissures
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - October 28, 2009 06:22 ET
Did restrictions on public fun lead scores of young men to steal and loot in Khobar?
Saudi jailed for 'bragging' about sex
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - October 16, 2009 14:38 ET
A young airline employee has been sentenced to five years, 1,000 lashes for talking up his sexual prowess on a controversial Lebanese TV show.
Meet the economic gangsters
Mark Scheffler - Commerce - August 12, 2009 09:03 ET
Economic gangsters come in all shapes and sizes — they're Asian dictators and Somali pirates.
Iran election: Oil, unrest and some very nervous Saudis
Mark Scheffler - Commerce - June 16, 2009 12:57 ET
Interview: Middle East analyst Rachel Bronson sorts it all out.
Bringing poetry to reality TV
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - May 26, 2009 07:04 ET
An Abu Dhabi poetry competition revives the popularity of an ancient form of storytelling.
Saudi princess speaks out on abuse
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - May 19, 2009 18:54 ET
A strong voice is being heard on the issue of domestic violence, and it's not only female but royal.
No sporting chance for Saudi women
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - May 13, 2009 23:42 ET
One government-appointed mullah believes sports may cause young women to lose their virginity.
Religious police feel the heat
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - May 2, 2009 10:54 ET
Feared and loathed by many Saudis, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice gets a little disciplining of its own.
Torture caught on camera in UAE
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - May 2, 2009 10:53 ET
US officials react to a 2004 videotape showing a man being tortured by the son of a former UAE president, as the countries discuss a key nuclear deal.
Child marriage case showcases deep splits in Saudi society
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - April 23, 2009 10:40 ET
Judge approves marriage of 8-year-old girl amid controversy in country where child marriage is still widespread.
The madness of George
Michael Moran - Worldview - April 20, 2009 09:09 ET
Opinion: What this week's torture memos say about "Justice."
How bulletproof is the Saudi economy?
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - March 30, 2009 17:50 ET
The kingdom says it is faring better than most in the financial crisis, but some Saudis wonder.
For Which It Stands: Iraq
Jane Arraf - Iraq - March 25, 2009 14:40 ET
Iraqis understand what Americans do not.
Winds of change blow over Saudi
Caryle Murphy - Saudi Arabia - March 18, 2009 07:58 ET
King takes unprecedented step of promoting a woman, and that's not all.
Global Blogs:
Saudi Arabia: My Prince No Longer Has Pain
American Bedu - Saudi Arabia - February 8, 2010 20:37 ET
It is with the deepest regret and sadness to advise that my Prince, my life partner, the love of my life, Abdullah, passed away in the early hours on 08 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Noone fought harder than him in his battle against a very aggressive leukemia. However...
MyWorld: BAN THE BRA … salesmen!!!
Jeddah Daily Photo Journal - Saudi Arabia - February 8, 2010 16:05 ET
This is a typical scene in the oldest part of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where there are shops galore selling just about anything you might be looking for. In this strictly conservative and religious society where men and women are separated from socializing together, only men are...
It
Saudi Jeans - Saudi Arabia - February 8, 2010 16:01 ET
It took a handshake between Prince Turki al-Faisal, former Saudi ambassador to the UK and US, and Israeli deputy foreign minister Danny Ayalon to settle a seating spat at the Munich Security Conference. Depending on who you are, this may or may not be a big deal. Here’s the...
Saudi Arabia News
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Reporter's Notebook
This morning, I looked out my window and saw a goat. Actually, four goats. Today is Eid al Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice. One of Islam’s...Read more >
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Monday ordered the cancellation of a court sentence of 60 lashes imposed on a female employee of a...Read more >
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Remember the unfortunate Saudi man who got five years in jail and 1,000 lashings for boasting about his colorful sexual...Read more >
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