Crude hits 10-month high after Saudi pipelines blast

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/229508.html

Oil prices have soared to their highest level in the past ten months following reports of an explosion of pipelines in Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich Eastern Province.

Brent North Sea crude is trading at nearly $ 127 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate is trading above $ 109 a barrel.

Meanwhile, light, sweet crude for April delivery soared to as high as $110.55 a barrel after it settled for Thursday at $108.84 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up $1.77 from Wednesday's closing level. Brent crude on the ICE Futures Europe exchange also rose to $128.40 a barrel.

On Thursday evening, an explosion in Saudi Arabian city of Awamiyah in the east of the kingdom destroyed the pipelines feeding one of the most important oil hubs in the world.

The major pipeline starts in Abqaiq and ends at Ras Tanrua oil terminal carrying nearly six million barrels of oil every day.

Last week, oil prices rose to a nine-month high due to Iran's cutting of crude exports to certain European Union states in response to the EU oil sanctions imposed against Iran.

Saudis face 'hidden energy crisis'

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/225438.html

Saudi Arabia is facing a “hidden energy crisis” and its vast domestic fuel consumption threatens its place in the world oil market, a report says.

According to a December 2011 report published by the British Chatham House non-governmental organization based in London, the “unrestrained” fuel consumption in Saudi Arabia shows that the current patterns of energy demand in the country are “wasting valuable resources.”

The patterns of energy demand in Saudi Arabia are also causing excessive pollution and making the country “vulnerable to economic and social crises,” the report adds.

Although Saudi Arabia is a member state of the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G20) and the G20 members agreed in September 2009 to phase out “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies” in the medium term, Riyadh does not have an “overarching policy on energy consumption and claims it has no inefficient fossil fuel subsidies,” according to the Chatham House report.

The British organization also said in its report that the domestic energy consumption in Saudi Arabia could “limit its exports of oil within a decade.”

The Chatham House report added that the limitation in the Saudi oil exports would have “a severe effect on government spending, over 80 percent of which is dependent on oil revenues.”

Ex-German minister slams Saudi deal

A German-made Leopard battle tank (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/191864.html

The former German development minister has joined the opposition Green Party, condemning Berlin for a suspected sale of 200 Leopard tanks to Saudi Arabia.

"The tank deal with Saudi Arabia is a catastrophic decision," Deutsche Welle quoted Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul as saying on Monday.

She further called on the foreign minister to explain how the government could openly support the Egyptian people while at the same time secretly conduct an arms deal with the oppressive regime in Saudi Arabia.

This "is the exact opposite of the government's public stance on the democratic uprisings in the Arab World," she said.

Her comment comes a day after the opposition Greens announced that it will take the government to the Constitutional Court over the secret deal.

"A suit brought by the members of parliament Christian Stroebele, Claudia Roth and Katja Keul was filed on Friday" a Green party spokeswoman said.

While the Green Party has called for the report to be made public, the government has claimed that on the basis of national security, it will not comment on the matter.

However, the sale has been publicly known since early July when the German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel reported the decision by the Federal Security Council's multi-billion-dollar sale.

The deal came while Germany had imposed a ban on the sale of advanced Leopard 2 tanks to Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, citing fears that they might be used against Israel.

The Saudis are also in talks with American companies to buy nearly USD 60 billion worth of arms, including 84 new F-15 fighter jets and 178 combat helicopters.

The sales come at a time when Riyadh is being roundly censured for its military interventions in neighboring Bahrain and Yemen.

The Saudi army launched an all-out military offensive against Houthi fighters in Yemen's northern province of Sa'ada in 2010. In March 2011, the Saudis deployed troops in Bahrain to help the regime's forces crack down on nationwide protests.

Riyadh blocks Amnesty Intl. website

Amnesty International's logo

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/190784.html

The Saudi Arabian authorities have blocked public access to Amnesty International's website in response to the rights group's censure of Riyadh's intolerance toward dissent.

"Access to Amnesty International's website has been blocked in Saudi Arabia… following the organization's criticism of a draft anti-terror law that would stifle peaceful protest in the kingdom," the group said in a statement issued on Monday, AFP reported.

The so-called Draft Penal Law for Terrorism Crimes and Financing Terrorism authorizes the kingdom to detain people 'potentially indefinitely' without charge or trial.

It also allows the Saudi authorities to give a 10-year prison sentence to anyone who questions the integrity of King Abdullah or Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz.

"Instead of attacking those raising concerns and attempting to block debate, the Saudi Arabian government should amend the draft law to ensure that it does not muzzle dissent and deny basic rights," Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa director, said in the statement.

Sporadic protests have been held across the country despite a ban imposed by the Ministry of the Interior on demonstrations and public gatherings.

Saudi citizens have been expressing outrage over the government's imprisonment of people without charge and its suppression of women's rights. The unemployed have been calling for job opportunities and a fair share of the biggest Arab economy's oil income.

In April, the German newspaper Die Welt cited documents showing that 7,000 Saudi princes control the country's oil and business enterprises.

HR activists rap proposed Saudi law

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/190235.html

Saudi and international human rights activists have criticized a proposed Saudi “counterterrorism” law that would mandate long jail sentences for criticizing the Arab country's monarch.

The human rights activists say that the proposed law, which would give Saudi Arabia's interior ministry extensive powers, would allow prisoners to be held either without trials or with trials and appeals that are held secretly, the New York Times reported.

The activists have explained that the law was first proposed in 2003, but was put on hold, and has now been revived due to the sweeping anti-regime rallies across the region.

The law would also allow the Saudi interior ministry to tap phones or conduct house searches without permission from the judiciary.

The definitions of terrorism-related crimes in the proposed law have also been described as vague.

“Ninety-nine percent of the law has nothing to do with terrorism, it has to do with political dissent,” said defense lawyer Bassem Alim.

“Every single thing we criticized them about in the past is going to be legitimate,” he added.

Princess Basma Bint Saud, a niece of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah and a social activist and prominent supporter of women's issues in the kingdom, had earlier called on the Saudi rulers to be more open to changes, stressing that no Arab country is immune to the sweeping wave of popular movements.

"No one is immune from the seasonal geographical winds of change that are sweeping our Arab homeland. Those who say we are immune are wrong," she said.

Several right groups and international bodies including the Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have frequently condemned the Saudi regime for their widespread violation of human rights.

Iraq MPs Riyadh fosters terrorism

File photo of Iraqi parliament

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/189519.html

Iraqi parliamentarians have accused Saudi Arabia of variously contributing to the deadly terrorist activities carried out on the violence-hit country's soil.

The lawmakers said Riyadh provides financial and moral support for the terrorist groups in Iraq, a Press TV correspondent reported on Sunday.

They said some terrorist elements, who have been detained in Iraq, have referred to Saudi officials as their patrons.

The lawmakers also accused the kingdom of recruiting terrorists and sending them to Iraq in different ways.

Riyadh fosters terror due to its unease with Baghdad's sound relations with its northern and eastern neighbors, the parliamentarians concluded.

Political analysts say Riyadh has failed in its attempts to prevent the coming into power of the current Shia-led government in Iraq.

The official religion in Saudi Arabia is Wahhabism -- an extremely intolerant interpretation of Islam.

The Saudi Wahhabis, also known as Salafis, have been blamed for fueling and funding terrorism against Shia Muslims as well as others across the world.

Iraqi officials have also pointed to fatwas (religious decrees) issued by some religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, sanctioning the killing of Shia Muslims.

The lawmakers' warnings came as the Saudi authorities have deployed forces to the Shia-majority Persian Gulf island of Bahrain, reinforcing Manama's already brutal crackdown on peaceful protests.

'Saudi Arabia seeks to limit MENA uprisings'

On March 14, Saudi Arabia deployed troops to Bahrain at Manama's request to help crush the nationwide anti-government protests in the tiny Persian Gulf sheikdom

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183858.html

Saudi Arabia has been using financial and diplomatic means to prevent the recent uprisings and revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from bringing about further change, a report says।

According to the report published in the New York Times, Saudi Arabia has donated USD 4 billion in aid to Egypt, and has been trying to “ease out” Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh।

Riyadh has also invited the kingdoms of Morocco and Jordan to join the six-member [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC), in an attempt to “create a kind of 'Club of Kings.'”
The moves are intended to “forestall more radical change।”

On March 14, Saudi Arabia deployed troops to Bahrain at Manama's request to help crush the nationwide anti-government protests in the tiny Persian Gulf sheikdom.

According to political analysts, Riyadh fears that the wave of uprisings and revolutions in the Arab world will reach Saudi Arabia, and thus, the Arab kingdom is scrambling to forge a “counterrevolution।”

Saudi Arabia sacks army chief

Saudi King Abdullah has announced the retirement of the chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Army Field Marshal Saleh al-Muhaya (pictured above).

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/181095.html

Saudi Arabia has appointed new officials to several key posts after dismissing their predecessors.

Saudi King Abdullah issued a decree on Friday, announcing the retirement of the chief of staff of the Saudi armed forces, Field Marshal Saleh al-Muhaya, AFP reported.

The decree, published by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, also assigned Muhaya's deputy, Gen. Hussein bin Abdullah al-Qubail, as his successor, and promoted Gen. Khaled bin Bander bin Abdelaziz Al Saud to head the Saudi army.

The order also dismissed the president of the administrative court, Sheikh Ibrahim al-Haqil, and the deputy minister of higher education, Ali al-Attiya.

A cabinet reshuffle has been expected for several weeks in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has not been immune from the wave of anti-government protests that have swept across North Africa and the Middle East.

There have been a number of demonstrations in the country recently in defiance of a ban on any public gatherings.

Human rights activists say thousands of people are held in Saudi jails without charge or access to lawyers.

'Saudi Arabia, US secretly boost military ties'

US President Barack Obama (L) and Saudi King Abdullah

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/180767.html

The US is secretly expanding its defense ties with Saudi Arabia despite the apparent anger expressed by the Arab side over America's role in the changes taken place in the Middle East, a report says.

The US and Saudi Arabia are also up to creating for the kingdom an air and missile defense system to protect the kingdom's oil-fields and future nuclear sites, the Associated Press reported on Thursday.

The plan is based on a May 2008 deal signed by the then-US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef, apparently went underway in 2009 or 2010, and is meant to create 'facilities security force,' which would maximally contain at least 35,000 Saudi servicemen.

The collaboration is overseen by the US Central Command and is managed by US Army general Robert G. Catalanotti.

The squad is trained and equipped by American personnel, including staff from energy and defense departments. It is separate from the Saudi military and National Guard, which protects the royal family.

Washington has also offered Riyadh a historic 60-billion-dollar arms package that will provide Saudi with dozens of advanced combat aircraft.

Details about the elite force were learned from interviews with US officials speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of Saudi security concerns, as well as in interviews with private analysts and public statements by former US officials.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to two written requests for comment.

The Saudis want to upgrade their Patriot air defenses to the latest US version, which can knock down short-range ballistic missiles in flight. And they have expressed interest in a more capable system designed to defend against higher-flying, medium-range missiles, the report said.

The economically-demanding cooperation lives on despite the fact that poverty and unemployment are currently affecting the lives of millions of people in the kingdom.

Saudi media face fresh restrictions

The Saudi media is tightly supervised by the ruling Al-Saud dynasty, headed by King Abdullah (center

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/177448.html

Saudi Arabia has imposed new media restrictions, threatening news organizations that allegedly undermine national security, with heavy fines and closure.

Under a decree issued by Saudi King Abdullah on Friday, the media will be prohibited from reporting anything that contradicts the Islamic law or "foreign interests," an AFP report said.

The rule also requires publishers to stick "to objective and constructive criticism that serves the general interest."

Violators of the new decree face fines of up to 500,000 riyals -- which equals USD 133,000.

Saudi authorities can also ban a writer for life from contributing to any media organization.

The Saudi media is tightly supervised by the ruling Al Saud dynasty and most of the country's leading newspapers are owned by people who are a part of or closely linked to the government.

The new restrictions come as the Kingdom tries to prevent the spread of regional uprisings and revolutions to Saudi Arabia.

This is while, during the past months, Saudi Arabia's oil-rich east has been the scene of anti-government protests.

On Friday, Saudi Arabian riot police attacked a peaceful protest rally in the city of Qatif, injuring at least five people while attempting to disperse demonstrators by force.

The demonstrators have poured into the streets to condemn Riyadh's role in the brutal crackdown on Bahraini protesters.

They are also calling for human rights reform, freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners held without trial for more than 16 years.

Human Rights Watch says more than 160 protesters have been arrested since February as part of the Saudi government's crackdown on anti-government protesters.

Among those taken into custody are two prominent anti-regime bloggers, local activists say.

According to the Saudi-based Human Rights First Society (HRFS), many detainees have been subject to torture both physically and mentally.

Several injured in Saudi Arabia protest

Anti-government protesters in Saudi Arabia's eastern region of Qatif demand the release of prisoners held without trial at a march that was later broken up by police with stun grenades and rounds of gunfire. (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/170496.html

Several people have been injured after police fired rubber bullets at anti-government protesters in Saudi Arabia's eastern region of Qatif as Friday's million-man-march looms.

On Thursday, over 4,000 protesters thronged the streets in the eastern city of Qatif and clamoured for political reforms and the release of political prisoners, reports said.

According to witness accounts, police forces fired live rounds and tear gas to disperse the crowd, leaving several people injured, while more rallies were held in solidarity with the people of Bahrain in the city.

Demonstrators also called for an end to military incursion in Bahrain, after Riyadh dispatched at least 1,000 troops to the Persian Gulf country to help quell protests there.

Protesters chanted and held signs that urged the government to stay out of Bahrain, and called for a million-man-march for Friday.

Witnesses added that just as tens of tanks were moving to Qatif, thousands of demonstrators including clerics and women continued their peaceful march in the city despite the tight security by riot police.

Anti-government protests have recently flared up in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the eastern parts of the country, despite a state ban on demonstrations in the kingdom.

Riyadh has stepped up its crackdown on anti-government protests in response.

Saudi Arabia's minority Shias has complained of discrimination, saying they often struggle to obtain senior government jobs and benefits available to other citizens -- a charge that the Saudi government has flatly denied.

Protesters call for 'Saudi Revolution'

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168319.html

A group of Saudi youths has called for a “Saudi Revolution” on March 20, using Facebook, to demand democratic and political reform in the monarchy.

The Facebook group, which has over 17,000 members, also called for a “Day of Rage” to be held on March 11, DPA reported.

Activists now allege that state security forces have shot dead online activist Faisal Ahmed Abdul-Ahadwas, 27, the main administrator of the Facebook group calling for the coordinated protests.

They say the body of Abdul-Ahadwas has been confiscated by authorities to "hide evidence of the crime," and that he was killed because of "his commitment to a better future for his country," DPA stated.

Recent protests have hit the country following uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Demonstrators are demanding the release of political prisoners held without trial, including a senior Shia cleric, Sheikh Tawfiq al-Aamer -- arrested last week after calling for constitutional monarchy.

In Riyadh, security helicopters hovered over a protest site after the Friday Prayers near the al-Rajhi mosque. At least three people were arrested.

Hundreds of people staged anti-government protests in several eastern towns, and some 22 others were detained on Thursday night after holding a protest in the town of al-Hufuf

The Interior Ministry on Saturday announced on state television that security forces will take all measures necessary to prevent any further disturbance of order.

On February 23, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz suddenly promised a 36-billion-dollar package of additional benefits for people. He also ordered the implementation of a 15-percent pay hike for state employees as well as an increase in the cash available for housing loans.

Analysts believe the huge hike in benefits introduced by the Saudi king was intended to avert an uprising in the country.

Saudi Arabia bans protests, gatherings

Saudi citizens stage protests in towns in Saudi Arabia's oil-producing Eastern Province

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168421.html

Saudi Arabia has banned all kinds of rallies and gatherings, as anti-government protests demanding democratic change and the release of political prisoners gain momentum in the monarchy.

Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry described protests as “illegal” in a Saturday statement and declared that security forces were "authorized by law to take all measures needed against those who try to break the law."

"Regulations in the kingdom forbid categorically all sorts of demonstrations, marches and sit-ins... as they contradict Islamic Sharia law and the values and traditions of Saudi society," SPA state news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

The decision came after anti-government demonstrations were held after the Friday prayers in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and other cities.

Hundreds of Saudi protesters took to the streets in Riyadh, for the first time, to join anti-government protests in other cities in the country, calling for the release of political prisoners.

Protesters gathered in front of Al-Rajhi Mosque in the eastern part of the capital, chanting anti-government and anti-corruption slogans.

Witnesses say Saudi security forces detained at least three people, who had chanted slogans against the Saudi monarchy, in Riyadh.

At the same time, groups of protesters continued their rallies in the towns of al-Hufuf, al-Ahsa, and al-Qatif in the Eastern Province, with demonstrators demanding the release of political prisoners, including a senior Shia cleric.

In al-Hufuf, the peaceful protest rally, which condemned the Saudi government's detention of Sheikh Tawfiq al-Amer, was held following the Friday prayers.

A similar protest, which was held in al-Qatif, was dispersed by Saudi security forces, witnesses said.

The Shia cleric was arrested on February 25 after delivering a sermon, in which he said that Saudi Arabia should become a constitutional monarchy.

In a move to intensify its crackdown on mass protests planned next week, the Saudi government also has decided to deploy thousands of anti-riot police to northeastern Saudi Arabia.

This comes against the backdrop of growing calls on Internet for a massive anti-government protest expected later in March.

A group of Saudi youths has called for a “Saudi Revolution” on March 20, using Facebook, to demand democratic and political reform in the monarchy.

The Facebook group, which has over 17,000 members, also called for a “Day of Rage” to be held on March 11. Tens of thousands of Saudis have already joined the drive.

Protests and public displays of dissent are forbidden in Saudi Arabia. The government has become increasingly nervous about the protests that have taken the Arab world by storm, toppling the Egyptian and Tunisian presidents, and recently reaching Oman, Bahrain, Yemen and Libya.

'Massive protests loom in Saudi Arabia'

A photo of a street in the Saudi town of Awwamiya where a rally was recently held to demand the release of political prisoners

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168262.html

Massive anti-government protests are impending in Saudi Arabia following the arrest of a senior cleric who called for political reform in the country, an analyst says.

The recent "crackdown” in the city of Qatif on a protest for the release of political prisoners will have dire repercussions for the government in Saudi Arabia, political analyst Mohamed al-Massari told Press TV on Saturday.

“They made a stupid mistake by attacking women and so on because they think Shia women do not have ... the honor protection like the rest of the women in the country. But attacking women in Saudi Arabia, in an Islamic country is very severe, very negative and catastrophic ... and this will have dire repercussions,” al-Massari said.

On Thursday, hundreds of protesters in the cities of Qatif and Awamiyya took to the streets and called for the release of Shia prisoners, who they say are being held unjustly, some as long as 16 years.

"We want the prisoners free but we also have other demands. We want equality," a protester in Qatif said.

Saudi authorities arrested 22 people for taking part in the protest in Qatif.

Witnesses say Saudi security forces detained at least three people after repeating slogans against the Saudi monarchy.

On Friday, a peaceful protest rally was also held in al-Hufuf district in the Eastern Province after the Friday prayers to condemn the Saudi government's detention of Sheikh Tawfiq al-Amer who had called for a constitutional monarchy in the kingdom.

Al-Massari predicted that the government's latest clampdown would bring “thousands more” into the streets on “the eleventh of March” against the government move.

He further noted that the authorities will face a catch-22 in the situation should they resort to force.

“If they use force there will be counter-force,” said the political analyst, adding, “We still have people who are willing to defend their honor with arms.”

Saudi youths have named March 11 the Day of Rage on the social networking website, Facebook.

On February 23, Saudi King Abdullah suddenly promised a $36 billion-package of extra benefits for his people, upon his return from a long medical trip to the US.

Analysts believe the huge hike in benefits introduced by the Saudi king is actually intended to avert an uprising in the Arab country.

Protests and public displays of dissent are forbidden in Saudi Arabia. The government has become increasingly nervous about the protests that have taken the Arab world by storm, toppling the Egyptian and Tunisian presidents, and which recently reached Oman, Bahrain, Yeman and Libya.

Anti-government protests hit Saudi cities

Anti-riot police stand-off with protesters in the Gulf coast town of Awwamiya

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168261.html

Hundreds of Saudi demonstrators have taken to the streets in the capital Riyadh for the first time to join anti-government protests in other cities in the Arab country, calling for the release of political prisoners.

After Friday prayers in Riyadh, protesters gathered in front of Al-Rajhi Mosque in the east of the capital and chanted anti-government and anti-corruption slogans.

As police helicopters hovered over the anti-government demonstrators, they chanted; “Thieves, thieves, where is the 200 billion (riyals)?”, “God is great”, and “God will destroy the arrogant and unjust”, as well as “peaceful, peaceful,” the Financial Times reported Friday.

Witnesses say Saudi security forces detained at least three people after repeating slogans against the Saudi monarchy.

At the same time, groups of protesters continued their rallies in towns of al-Hufuf, al-Ahsa and al-Qatif in Eastern Province, with demonstrators demanding the release of political prisoners, including a senior Shia cleric.

In al-Hufuf, the peaceful protest rally, which condemned the Saudi government's detention of Sheikh Tawfiq al-Amer, was held following the Friday prayers.

A similar protest was held in al-Qatif but was dispersed by Saudi security forces, witnesses said.

The Shia cleric was arrested last Friday after a sermon in which he said Saudi Arabia should become a constitutional monarchy.

Sheikh Tawfiq al-Amer has been arrested several times over his calls for giving Shias, a minority in Saudi Arabia, further freedom to exercise their religious rights.

On Thursday, hundreds of protesters in the cities of Qatif and Awamiyya took to the streets and called for the release of Shia prisoners, who they say are being held unjustly, some as long as 16 years.

"We want the prisoners free but we also have other demands. We want equality," a protester in Qatif said.

Saudi authorities arrested 22 people for taking part in the protest in Qatif.

The latest protest comes against the backdrop of growing calls for a massive anti-government protest expected later in March. Tens of thousands of Saudis have already joined the drive.

Saudi youths have named March 11 “the Day of Rage” on the social networking website, Facebook.

On February 23, Saudi King Abdullah suddenly promised a $36 billion-package of extra benefits for his people, upon his return from a long medical trip to the US.

He also granted pardon to some prisoners indicted in financial crimes and ordered the implementation of a 15-percent pay hike for state employees as well as an increase in the cash available for Saudi housing loans.

Analysts believe the huge hike in benefits introduced by the Saudi king is actually intended to avert an uprising in the Arab country.

Protests and public displays of dissent are forbidden in Saudi Arabia. The government has become increasingly nervous about the protests that have taken the Arab world by storm, toppling the Egyptian and Tunisian presidents, and which recently reached Oman, Bahrain, Yeman and Libya.

Omanis hold demos to call for reform

Thousands attended peaceful demonstrations in Sohar and other cities in Oman on Friday

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168235.html

Hundreds of Omanis have demonstrated peacefully in the cities of Sohar, Salalah, and the capital Muscat to call for political reform and an increase in the minimum wage.

On Friday, around 500 protestors, mostly young men, demanded punishment for corrupt officials, a cabinet reshuffle, and an increase in the minimum wage. A large number of people joined in and even held prayers at the protest venues, news agencies reported.

The demonstrators said they wanted a bigger voice in the government and called for the all-appointed advisory council to be transformed into a full-fledged parliament in the Persian Gulf sultanate, which lies on the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Security forces were on full alert but stayed in the background to prevent any clashes like the one that occurred last week, which resulted in a number of casualties, DPA reported.

Over the past week, Oman's Sultan Qaboos has made some changes, pledging to create 50,000 new jobs for Omani citizens and to allocate benefits for the unemployed.

Political analysts note that, in contrast to the recent events in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, and Libya, in Oman the criticism has not been directed at the country's ruler himself.

They say that the demonstrations, fueled by political and social grievances, which suddenly shattered the calm in the normally placid Oman, show that no Arab country is immune from the wave of discontent sweeping across the Arab world.

The demonstrations in Oman began on February 26, after the mass protests that toppled the long-time leaders of Tunisia and Egypt spread to other countries in the region, including Bahrain and Yemen.

On Wednesday, hundreds of Omanis demonstrated in support of Sultan Qaboos as more than 400 activists camped outside the consultative council to protest against corruption and demand higher wages.

Saudis to hold 'Day of Rage' rally

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168112.html

A group of Saudi activists have called for a “Day of Rage” rally in the oil-rich Eastern Province after Friday prayers, following the arrest of a Shia cleric.

The Friday event in Al-Hufuf is organized by a group of 500 cyber activists on Facebook.

The organizers have called on the protesters to call for the release of Sheikh Tawfiq al-Amer, AFP reported.

Amer was incarcerated after he called for a “constitutional monarch” in the kingdom.

Amer has been arrested several times over his demands for giving Saudi Shias further freedom to exercise their religious rights.

This comes as tens of thousands of people are preparing themselves to attend the protests after the Saudi youths named March 11 the Day of Rage on the social networking website, Facebook.

On February 23, Saudi King Abdullah suddenly promised a $36-billion package of extra benefits for his people, upon his return from a long medical journey to the US and Morocco.

He also granted pardon to some prisoners indicted for financial crimes and ordered the implementation of a 15-percent pay hike for state employees as well as an increase in the cash available for Saudi housing loans.

Analysts believe the huge hike in benefits introduced by the Saudi king is actually intended to avert an uprising in the country.

In recent weeks, a wave of revolutions and anti-government uprisings has spread across the Arab world.

Saudi youth push ahead with demands

Saudi youth (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/167577.html

Tens of thousands of Saudi youths protesting the government's policies have posted their demands for greater civil liberties on an internet website.

The website Honein Revolution calls for the election of the Consultative Assembly members by the people, the impartiality of judiciary, and the release of political prisoners as the most important demands.

The youths have called for the removal of "illegal taxes imposed on poor classes of society, wage increases and job opportunities for young people."

Saudi Arabia is suffering from a high unemployment rate among young men, according to government figures, which indicate that more than 43 percent of citizens aged between 20 and 24 years are jobless.

The young protesters in Saudi Arabia have also called for the formation of an independent organization to supervise the country's fight against corruption.

Freedom of speech, removal of "illegal restrictions” on Saudi women, and a foreign policy based on national interests are among other demands posted on the website.

Meanwhile, more than 100 Saudi academics, activists and businessmen have called for reforms, including the establishment of a "constitutional monarchy," in the conservative Arab kingdom.

"We will submit these requests to King Abdullah at a later stage," Khaled al-Dakhil, a teacher of political science at the King Saud University said in a statement published on the internet.

"We have high hopes that these reforms will be implemented. Now is the time," said the academician and one of the 123 signatories of the petition.

Saudi youths have called for protests on March 11, dubbed as the "Day of Rage".