Saudi Arabia, Blogging Mecca No More

A shame:

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — An outspoken Saudi blogger is being held for “purposes of interrogation,” the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed Tuesday.

Gen. Mansour al-Turki, an Interior Ministry spokesman reached by telephone, said the blogger, Fouah al-Farhan, was “being questioned about specific violations of nonsecurity laws.” Mr. Farhan’s blog, which discusses social issues, had become one of the most widely read in Saudi Arabia.

More here.

Must See

A piece on the Saudis, as King Abdullah visits the UK. The whole thing is 7 minutes and worth a watch, but the important part is the first 30-45 seconds, as the military band at Buckingham Palace greets Abdullah with Darth Vaders theme music.