Saudi students on a budget out of the Kingdom

Do Saudi students need to set a budget too? (Joke, Ed)

"For many Saudi students who are coming to the United States or elsewhere for the first time to live it can be initially intimidating and confusing on figuring out how to live and set a budget. "

"The outcome of Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ plans to achieve full membership for the state of Palestine in the United Nations in September is far from certain in the face of strong U.S. and Israeli reservations. But the Palestinians remain upbeat."

"Ramadan begins tomorrow. (sic, 'today'- Ed) Every night throughout the month Muslims will congregate for taraweeh prayers; in Syria, each night’s taraweeh will turn into anti-regime protests. During Ramadan people work less and therefore have more time for meditation – and for protesting. The security forces repressing these protests will be tired and snappy. The protestors will be quick-tempered from thirst and hunger, and also in many cases less frightened of death. For a pious Muslim, to die in Ramadan while standing up for justice is a very good death. At the same time, fighting in Ramadan is frowned upon. Regime violence during the holy month will outrage people even more than usual."

And another one from our American friend in Saudi:

"During the month of Ramadan iftar’s (breaking of the fast) become a special time. Iftar’s can be shared events with family and close friends, even if some of the friends may not be Muslim. It is an honor for a Muslim to share the rites of Ramadan."

Ramadan in a Christian part of town is something like Christmas in Saudi Arabia.

"So it is the first day of Ramadan, or is it? When I look around me, there is no Ramadan. Nothing around me tells me it is except for the facebook statuses of old friends and of course the call to my mother where we chat about the ritual that is the first meal in family. There are no Ramadan decorations, food stalls with Ramadan specials, or any of the other signs that it is Ramadan today. If you are wondering where I am, I am smack in the middle of a Christian neighborhood in Beirut."