The World Newser

Saudi Arabia beheaded an Indonesian maid on January 12th. Always remember you are not in Kansas Martha.

Does anyone remember who the 9/11 terrorists were? or where they were from? Don't we know the Saudi Arabia supports terrorists in Iraq, killing our soldiers? Why did this president give them more weapons that will end up being used against our soldiers? It is time to impeach Bush/Cheney and stop this madness. I'm not sure we can wait for a year. Our economy is in the toilet, our health industry PACs buy our future presidents with their contributions to the race they are running.

Ms. Raddatz, as always you tell it like it is and we appreciate it. Sorry you were made to feel like a 2nd class citizen, but can you tell us how you must dress while covering the President there in Saudi? Also the irony of dealing with JDAMs, but not allowing women to work out is not lost on us either. Thanks for your reporting.

Ms. Raddatz, I understand that you where upset about the gym but you must realize you are not in America. I have traveled all over the world visited other american owned buisnesses like McDonalds and Marriot hotels. Most of the time the workers don't even speak english. I don't get upset because I am a guest in their country and must follow their rules. I can not get upset that it isn't the same as America. Also please remember this in your future travels just because you are American in these other countries it does not entitle you to all the comforts we are afforded in the United States. Sorry you couldn't use the gym. Remember Saudi is a country that was about to punish a woman for being alone with a man that was not her husaband and talking aout being raped. Women rights are almost unheard of there.

Poor Martha. Yes, I'm sure it was a tramatic thing for you not to be able to use a work out gym in Saudi Arabia. Athough I doubt it was nearly as tramatic as when two female domestic workers were beaten to death recently in Saudi Arabia. Or when fifteen girls were burned to death because they were prevented from escaping a blazing building - they were not wearing proper Islamic dress. Or when a gang-rape victim was sentenced to ninety lashes.

You, go, Martha! And when you get done feeling sorry for yourself, maybe you can start reporting on real abuse of women in the Middle East.

Why are you morons acting like Martha did something wrong? She seems to have handled the personal insult with grace, and as always reported the news with the utmost professionalism-even when the story highlights the pitiful insanity of the times.

I lived in Saudi Arabia for 10 years. My kids grow up there. We were told by our hiring company Aramco...your a guest...your invited....for the most part Arabia is violence and crime free... and that it was a privilege to live and work there, a choice. Behave, I believe was the word used.
We found wonderful Arabian friends, interesting historical areas, and a culture that is very family oriented. We didn't want to leave.
Notice the word choice. You choose to be there. Addressing the comment above.
American sensationalizm is criminal and cruel. The young girls lost in the school fire was a horrible tradigy for the families. I happen to know the religious leaders involved in the feasco were executed.
The kingdom and it's happy people, who by the way are very well taken care of, have gone through a very tramatic culture shock. The techno world came down upon their heads like a sludge hammer and for the most part the royal family did a tramedous job of keeping the families and country together, while importing more expets into the country than there were members of the 13 tribes of Saudi Arabia, to handle the oil industry. Even in the 70's we had Saudi Arabian women doctor working for Aramco. The change was and is happening. Without America's violence and drugs. I have a compassion for the people of Arabia, through understanding. Am I moslem, no. Do I agree with everything they do, no. Just maybe a Walt Disney had it right, it's a small world after all, lets bring it a little closer, not drive it apart.

Or as others have done, leave quietly. Then put at the top of your CV (Resume), "Any place in the world but Saudi Arabia". I know many that have done it. When their cars, phones, and air conditioners stop working, reason will set in...