Sunday Times

Comments (3)

1. 

   Gitanjali Wednesday - 12 / 11 / 2008 Reply

   Although I commend Saudi efforts to try a more soft power and reformist approach when it comes to tackling terrorism, I can't help but notice the irony in this story: While ex Al Qaida recruits enjoy suitcases filled with gifts, sports facilities and art classes, 11 reformers sit languishing in Saudi jails without trial or access to a lawyer. If Saudi Arabia intends to initiate a progressive approach to crime and punishment then they should seriously start thinking about changing other archaic laws, such as those directed towards freedom of speech and activism.
2. 

   Susan Wednesday - 12 / 11 / 2008 Reply

   It's true - and highlights one of the problems for US Foreign Policy of attempting to launch a "war on terror" while simultaneously advocating for democracy in the region. The emphasis that America places on fighting terrorists certainly makes it more in Saudi's interest to work on dealing with those individuals in a way that draws favorable international attention, as opposed to working more constructively with reformers. The hunger strike that Saudi activists performed over the end of last week certainly didn't make it into the Times magazine, either, so it isn't only the government in America reinforcing those priorities.

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1. Middle East » Blog Archive » Guantanamo, recidivism, and rehabilitation says:

   January 31, 2009 at 1:30 pm

   [...] Christopher Boucek at Carnegie discusses the rubrics by which we can measure the success of terrorist/jihadi rehabilitation programs, given the recent revelations on recidivism among graduates of the Saudi’s efforts in this regard. (Mentioned on this blog in November). Bret Stephens of the Wall Street Journal takes the a strong stance against releasing prisoners; if you have strong opinions either way, join the discussion on Stephens’ op-ed at Meedan (you’ll have to register – learn more about the site here). Karen Greenberg, Director of NYU’s Center on Law and Security and my former employer, offers a different perspective. [...]

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