Article

2004-10-19 Arabia

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Posted by Steve White 2004-10-19 1:03:42 AM|| || Front Page|| [3 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 As you pointed out, this freedom definitely doesn't extend to Judaism. Actually I doubt whether Jews are allowed into the UAE. Especially Jews or other undesirables with Israeli stamps in their passports.

I wonder if they have church bells. Probably not. That might clash with the Moslem call to prayer five times a day.

Posted by Bryan 2004-10-19 7:21:27 AM|| 2004-10-19 7:21:27 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 They are a such an oasis of tolerance, they will be the last Arab country we nuke.

Posted by JFM 2004-10-19 9:11:12 AM|| 2004-10-19 9:11:12 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 Give them some credit. I do. If they allow the free dissemination of info about Christian services and allow Hindu worship when Hindus are considered outright pagans by islam and thus not worthy of life unless they convert, then this is really something.

But I don't doubt that the appearances probably do not reflect the whole reality as is the case in China as well. I also don't doubt that the situation is entirely dependent on the individual who happens to be ruling at the moment and the fact that the UAE is currently stable and peaceful. I don't doubt that if the situation were to change there, then so would this period of tolerance since islam has no mechanisms and structures for maintaining tolerance in times of crisis and stress. Its at those times when muslims, following their prophet's example, turn to a "muslims first' policy and all bets are thence off.

I wonder if a muslim can convert to another religion. Or if a Christian could freely criticize islam. I doubt it. And where oh where are the Jews in all this? hmmmmm?

Posted by peggy 2004-10-19 9:59:24 AM|| 2004-10-19 9:59:24 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 FYI - In the GCC, Gulf Cooperation Council, all of them, it is standard policy to bar entry to any GCC country for anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport. I have 2 valid US passports for this very reason.

Posted by .com 2004-10-19 11:37:02 AM|| 2004-10-19 11:37:02 AM|| Front Page Top

#5 .com That's interesting. I didn't know you were allowed to have two valid passports. Is one a military or other special type of passport?

Posted by 2b 2004-10-19 11:38:34 AM|| 2004-10-19 11:38:34 AM|| Front Page Top

#6 No. It's not unusual for those who work in the ME to get a second passport especially for the multiple-re-entry stamp for the country you'll be working in - good for the duration of the visa plus a month or two. Your original passport is still valid - and is used, if needed, for when a visa renewal goes awry and takes too long on the "temporary" one. Both are normal standard US blue passports. I needed my original, once, when a new visa was slow being issued. BTW, it's not the State Dept that's so helpful in this regard, it's working for a good US company that has its shit wired tight, is very experienced in international red tape, and has a Wash office of people who can get shit done. Even while the career diplo's are off doing the 3-martini lunches. I worked for such a company this last tour over there.

Posted by .com 2004-10-19 11:47:18 AM|| 2004-10-19 11:47:18 AM|| Front Page Top

#7 I believe you can do this if you tell State you plan to visit both Israel and a GCC, or similar insanely anti-Joooo, country. Of course, you'll be on your own dealing with the State Dept - and that can suck. Sorry.

Posted by .com 2004-10-19 11:50:32 AM|| 2004-10-19 11:50:32 AM|| Front Page Top

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