Welcome to the Emirates

Melanie has run up against the facts of life of living in a Muslim country. A minor irritation, to be sure. But its a slow erosion of rights Americans take for granted and often have to give up when overseas.

Head Count

The Kingdom executed three murderers and one rapist in November bringing the year to date total to 88.

Mohammud Kohail has lost his appeal but there is no word yet about his fate or if he will be pardoned. His younger brother, in a strange twist of double jeopardy, will be tried a second time but as an adult this time. The death penalty is in play as opposed to the 200 lashes he was to receive as a juvenile. The brothers are accused of murder during a school brawl.