In Dubai, Kissing a Girl on the Cheek Can Land You in Jail Posted by Shadi Hamid

A friend just told me that his flatmate, a British citizen named Ayman Najafi, is facing a month in jail and deportation for allegedly kissing someone in a Dubai restaurant. I met Ayman a couple months ago in Dubai and we hung out a bit. It’s weird to find out that someone you know is being tried – and going through an undoubtedly difficult personal ordeal – for what he has told the court was nothing more than a peck on the cheek. This is more than a bit frightening: most American expats living in the Gulf, myself included, kiss on the cheek as a customary greeting with members of the opposite sex. Even that, now, can be grounds for arrest.

Most, if not all, Arab countries lack what we would call “rule of law.” Invariably, there is perpetual confusion regarding what is allowed and what isn’t, and, perhaps more importantly, who it’s allowed for. Not all citizens are treated equally, to say nothing of situations where the majority of legal residents aren't even citizens in the first place. I live in Qatar now, and I find that no one knows for sure the exact rules on “public indecency.” When I lived in Jordan, the matter of criticizing the monarchy – something I’ve done on a number of occasions – was always a bit hazy. When did it become illegal, and how exactly would know when you had crossed the mysterious “red line”? One time, an American friend of mine living in Amman didn’t get the red lines right: he was wisked away by the secret police, blindfolded, and interrogated for taking pictures outside a government building.

This is the trouble with countries that are far from democratic, where the “citizen” is at the mercy of arbitrary rules that are often imposed at a whim by an always shifting assortment of largely unaccountable leaders. What this produces is fear mixed with uncertainty - a toxic combination - the sense that everything you’ve earned can be taken away from you in a moment. And you will probably not be granted anything resembling due process.

Dubai has been trying to have it both ways: essentially importing/buying/ and otherwise appropriating what they think makes the West great without accepting the liberal democratic institutions which served as the catalyst and foundation for much of that success. This is a recipe for a unique, and ultimately destructive, kind of schizophrenia.   

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[acekard]

Although I think this is excessive, it is their culture and their law and they have the right to enforce it. They have never hiden the fact that public affection and drinking is against there laws.As a nation I wish our courts, police and general legal system up held our law in such a strict way and maybe we wouldnt be having the problems we are.

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Oh come on, Shadi, the UAE has been praised at the highest levels. Of course there has been some money involved.

George Bush, Jan 13 2008:
"Here in Abu Dhabi, we see clearly the outlines of this future. Beginning with the revered father of this country -- Sheikh Zayed -- you have succeeded in building a prosperous society out of the desert. You have opened your doors to the world economy. You have encouraged women to contribute to the development of your nation -- and they have occupied some of your highest ministerial posts. You have held historic elections for the Federal National Council. You have shown the world a model of a Muslim state that is tolerant toward people of other faiths. I'm proud to stand in a nation where the people have an opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families."

Hillary Clinton, Dec 2 2009:
"On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the Emirati people as they celebrate the United Arab Emirates' 38th National Day and the founding of the Federation. . .Our friendship exemplifies the relations founded on mutual interests and mutual respect that President Obama described in his speech in Cairo. . .The UAE has been a promoter of peace and progress not just nationally, but regionally and internationally, thanks to the foresight of its founder, the late President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and to the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the members of the Supreme Council of the Federation."

And some history:
“Former President Clinton stands to reap around $20 million — and will sever a politically sensitive partnership tie to Dubai — by ending his high-profile business relationship with the investment firm of billionaire friend Ron Burkle. Mr. Clinton is negotiating to end his relationship with Mr. Burkle's Yucaipa Cos. as part of a broader effort to protect the presidential campaign of his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, from potential conflicts of interest.”

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