RIYADH: Two prominent Saudi human rights activists have refrained from diatribe and affirmed their hopes Saturday that the US and Saudi governments would move quickly into damage control mode, if the new legislation called Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) inflicts damages on bilateral relations.
The act can’t strain ties between the two countries, they said.
Saleh Alkhathlan, vice president of the National Society of Human Rights (NSHR), and Ibrahim Al-Qayid, NSHR founding member, made these remarks here. Alkhathlan, however, observed that “JASTA is an important indication of the changing mode among elite circles in Washington toward Riyadh, but it doesn’t in any way represent a turning point in the decades-old US-Saudi relationship.”
A large number of Arab and world leaders have expressed their concerns after the US Congress voted Wednesday to override a presidential veto of JASTA. But many leaders, academics, political analysts, and human rights activists have expressed their hope that the Saudi and US governments have the ability to control any damage caused by JASTA.
Alkhathlan said: “I am confident that the two governments will find ways to control any damage the legislation can inflict, or the subsequent court proceedings may cause."
“It is important for both— the US and the Kingdom— to recognize and let it be known that they are indispensable to each other,” said the NSHR deputy chief, adding that “there will be long and strenuous court battles but still the political will of both parties will help protect the relationship between the two countries.”
He further said that “we should also not forget that the same US Congress that voted to override the US president’s veto, just a week ago voted against a bill to stop selling arms to Saudi Arabia.” Moreover, this region is still open to many political and security challenges of significant consequences to the world that can’t be confronted and solved without the full cooperation of Saudi Arabia and the US, he observed.
“My advice to the Saudi government is to restore to its history proven, quite successful diplomacy in this case, and avoid any act or statement that may inadvertently complicate this issue,” said Alkhathlan, who is also a professor of political science at the Riyadh-based King Saud University.
Referring to the problems that can be caused by JASTA, Al-Qayid said that this act violates the longstanding accepted convention to protect the sovereignty of foreign countries. “The passing of JASTA has created chaos,” said Al-Qayid, adding that the Kingdom has been complying with all international norms and regulations. It has been a member of the UN since its inception, he added.
“In fact, the Kingdom has been a victim of terrorism, besides being a partner of Western nations including the US to curb terrorism,” said Al-Qayid, who is also a veteran training consultant. He said that the Kingdom has been a friend and ally, besides being one of the most important political and commercial partners of the United States. “To my mind, it may be an election gimmick as the US election is quite at hand,” he said.
Damage to Saudi-US ties ‘can be controlled’
Damage to Saudi-US ties ‘can be controlled’
Where We Are Going Today: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory in Dammam
Since returning to live in the Kingdom after years abroad with the best bakeries at my fingertips, I have been on a mission to find suitable sourdough locally. I sampled many mediocre ones, but one would rise above the rest: Ana Starter Sourdough Factory.
I first met founder Aisha Al-Omair at the Juthoor Farmer’s Market and tried her bread then. I liked it immediately.
“Ana Starter Sourdough Factory started as a passion for creating and fermenting the healthiest bread and introducing it to the Saudi market,” she told me at the time.
It began as a personal mission then expanded — like the dough — to serve the community.
“For a long time, I’ve suffered feeding my kids proper bread. The breads that were available at the supermarkets or at local bakeries had instant yeast, that never really took time to ferment, and therefore, when you consume the average bread, you notice some stiffening, you notice indigestion, you notice bloating and heartburn.”
Indeed, I did not feel any bloating or heartburn after devouring a slice or a few so I recently went on a quest to find more.
I ventured to Dammam to find her factory shop. It is a tiny slither of a place — I almost missed it while driving past factories in the Industrial City.
The shop comes with a decadent whiff of delicious bread.
Upon entering, you will see fridges stocked with bread and goodies like jams and butters (from other brands) that complement the bread well.
The sourdough offerings include jalapeno cheddar, zataar, plain and about a dozen other flavors.
The hassawi sourdough, made with local dates from neighboring Al-Ahsa, quickly became my favorite. It has little bits of dates tucked inside like tiny treasures.
Each slice is separated with a sheet, making it easy to freeze and pull out what you need without slices sticking together.
Fluffy with a rustic crust, it is great for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or slathering with salted butter.
My freezer is now packed with loaves.
At around SR45 ($12) per loaf, the price is slightly steep for the local market, but the superior quality is worth the extra dough.
Each day, they post on Instagram Stories showing what is available for pickup — and the quantity of each item.
Ordering is easy: Send a DM to reserve a loaf, swing by the shop, or opt for delivery.
• For more details, check their Instagram @anaastarter.
