Salem-News.com Kuwait articles

Arab League Impotence Continues & What a Mess the Arab World is in

At the time of writing the divisions within the Arab League seem set to widen.

(LONDON) - A thought constantly in my mind, and which was reinforced by the Arab League’s 25th Summit in Kuwait, is that with Arab leaders and governments as “enemies” the Zionist state of Israel does not need friends.

The Arab League was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945. Its six founding member states were Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan (renamed Jordan in 1949) Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Kuwait: Ongoing Judicial Harassment and Detention of Bedoun Human Rights Defenders

Immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against and release Abdulhakim Al Fadhli

(WASHINGTON, DC) - On 24 February 2014, human rights defender Mr Abdulhakim Al Fadhli was chased by state security cars and then taken to state security headquarters, where he remains in detention.

Earlier that day, human rights defenders Mr Nawaf Al Hendal and Ms Hadil Abo Qoreis were summonsed via news broadcasts to appear before state security investigations service.

Immediately and Unconditionally Release Abdullah Fairouz-Human Rights Ambassador William Nicholas Gomes

Kuwait must take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity and security of Abdullah Fairouz.

(YORK, UK) - Our Human Rights Ambassador, William Nicholas Gomes, believes the detention of Abdullah Fairouz is solely motivated by his peaceful and legitimate human rights work.

Mr. Gomes views this act as part of an ongoing campaign of judicial harassment against human rights defenders in Kuwait.

Kuwait: Secure the Social and Cultural Rights of Bidun

William Nicholas Gomes contacts Kuwaiti leadership to highlight plight of the Bidun.

(SALEM) - Today more than 100,000 stateless residents of Kuwait, commonly referred to as Bidun, live a very difficult life.

Lacking the support of their own government, the legal, social, and economic vulnerability of the Bidun has long been a source of unease to humanitarian organizations and world governments.

Gota Goes Berserk!

Political priorities in Sri Lanka are going to the dogs...

(COLOMBO Sunday Leader) - Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa went berserk when contacted by The Sunday Leader to clarify that SriLankan Airlines had made an unusual change in a scheduled flight plan.

The change was to be made so that a SriLankan Airline pilot, who is dating a niece of President Mahinda Rajapaksa could personally fly the aircraft that would carry a ‘puppy dog’ for Defence Secretary Gota

Kuwait: Hamad al-Naqi Sentenced 10 Years for Criticizing Neighboring Rulers

Human Rights Ambassador William Gomes contacts Kuwaiti officials over violations of free speech law.

(SALEM) - Freedom of speech isn't just some nice thought that people have about how things should be.

It means people are entitled to state their opinion; free to express themselves, even if they criticize their governments.

US Envoys: Losing Lebanon - Visit by Visit?

Graphics by Alex

(BEIRUT Al-Manar) - It might require a semanticist with Noam Chomsky’s erudition to explain to some of us more obtuse the meanings, context and policy nuances of two similar and repeated phases heard in Lebanon earlier this month by two well listened to guests.

During over-lapping visits of top US and Iranian officials to Lebanon; one warned and threatened Lebanon, while the second praised Lebanon’s “achievements”.

USCIRF Alarmed By Blasphemy Amendments in Kuwait

Kuwait is moving forward penalties conidered alarming and contrary to international human rights standards.

(WASHINGTON DC) - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed grave concern over the Kuwaiti Parliament’s approval last week of severe new penalties for blasphemy.

The Emir of Kuwait has 30 days to approve these penalties before they would become law.

Palestine/Israel Story Missed by Much of US Media

This strange story is being covered by Israeli papers such as Yediot Aharonot and Maariv. But it is ignored by most U.S. media.

(RICHMOND, R.I.) - Palestinians and Israelis have been preparing for weeks to greet international visitors to Bethlehem. Several hundred were expected from Europe and the United States.

But Israeli authorities do not want outsiders to see life in the occupied territories.

1,600 Palestinian Prisoners Begin Open-Ended Hunger Strike

The latest plan by Palestinian prisoners comes days after Israel released female Palestinian prisoner Hana Shalabi

(TEHRAN Press TV) - About 1,600 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will go on an open-ended hunger strike on April 17 to protest imprisonment without charge and solitary confinement exercised by the Tel Aviv regime.

Issa Qaraqi, the Palestinian Authority minister for prisoner affairs, said on Saturday the detainees also demand Israel allow families to visit them.