Article

2004-03-20 Arabia

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Posted by Traveller 2004-03-20 2:26:25 AM|| || Front Page|| [8 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I have been to Dubai several times and agree that most of what is written is true. Dubai rocks. You can do pretty much what you like like there.

However, lets not forget that Dubai is the conduit for all the illegial money that funds the jihadi network.

Atta received his money order from Dubai.

Posted by sanwin 2004-3-20 10:49:54 AM|| 2004-3-20 10:49:54 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 Dubai is pretty cool, once you get past some of most hideous architecture around. The only people-problem I had there was a rude (and inebriated) radio correspondent at one of the hotels.

Posted by Pappy 2004-3-20 2:58:22 PM|| 2004-3-20 2:58:22 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 What I still like about the article is that it posits a model for Islam different than the Saudi one. It further seems to me Saudi Arabia had this option and simply took the wrong fork in the road. Now whether or not it can detour back onto a reasonably right path is the million dollar question.

Equally important is the fact that Democracy has played no role in the success of Dubai. Beleved me, at this time we don't want a Democratic government in Saudi Arabia.

Lastly, I recognize that Dubai may be atypical because it has oil wealth to fall back on...but the point remains that there may be Islamic conuntries that are not a threat. What needs to be exported is, as I always say, is tolerance and Freedom of Conscience.

Posted by Traveller 2004-3-20 4:58:23 PM|| 2004-3-20 4:58:23 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 The article didn't make this point but I've read that the A Emirate now has more tourist than Egypt. Disneyland and bikinis vs. the pryramids and the Temple of Luxor.

Posted by mhw 2004-3-20 10:17:44 PM|| 2004-3-20 10:17:44 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Well, yeah. Dubai doesn't allow Islamic fanatics to open fire on the tourist trade.

Posted by Pappy 2004-3-20 10:22:33 PM|| 2004-3-20 10:22:33 PM|| Front Page Top

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