Saudi Arabia

Iranian riot police block a street leading to the Saudi embassy as protesters hold portraits of prominent Shiite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr during a demonstration against his execution by Saudi authorities on Sunday in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia Severs Diplomatic Ties With Iran

6:58pm January 03, 2016

by Eyder Peralta

Saudi Arabia's execution of Shiite cleric Sheik Nimr al-Nimr has inflamed sectarian conflict and been strongly condemned by Iran. Now the Saudis have ordered Iranian diplomats out of the country.

Iranian security stand guard to protect Saudi Arabia's embassy in Tehran, Iran, while a group of demonstrators gathered to protest execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia late Saturday into early Sunday.

World News

Iranian Protesters Arrested At Saudi Embassy In Tehran

8:58pm January 02, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Angry over the execution of Shiite cleric Sheik Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia, protesters gathered at the Saudi Embassy in Tehran, reports Iran's semi-official news agency. Some entered the building.

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A Saudi man walks past a pump at a petrol station Monday in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Saudi Arabia said it plans to reduce subsidies on power, water and fuel as part of new measures introduced in the face of low oil prices.

Higher Gas Prices, Long Lines: What Cheap Oil Means For Saudi Arabia

10:54am December 31, 2015

by Deb Amos

The deal in Saudi Arabia has been no taxation and no representation. Bottom-of-the-barrel crude prices changed the first half of the equation this week, as officials cut utility and gas subsidies.

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A veiled woman and a man embrace in a painting at the recent art exhibition "LoudArt," an annual event in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. The exhibit, curated by a woman, often challenges conservative traditions in the kingdom.

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In Ways Big And Small, Saudi Arabian Women Are 'Pushing Normal'

4:44pm December 30, 2015

by Deborah Amos

It can be a provocative art show. Or teenagers going out for a walk. By law and tradition, Saudi women still face many restrictions. But they keep stretching the boundaries and the pace is picking up.

Candidate Sameera abu al-Shamat votes in Saudi Arabia's municipal elections on Saturday. Shamat did not win a seat.

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Saudi Women: Elections Are One Step Forward On A Long Road

7:56pm December 14, 2015

by Deborah Amos

Saudi Arabian women made history by voting and winning public office for the first time. But there are still many obstacles to an equal role in public life.

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Women walk out of a polling station after casting their votes for municipal elections in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia Elects Its First Women To Municipal Council

3:03pm December 13, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

Few women ran and few women voted during the elections, but many in the country see the victories as a turning point for women's rights.

A Saudi woman casts her ballot in a polling station in the coastal city of Jeddah Saturday, as women were allowed to vote in Saudi Arabia's elections for the first time ever.

World News

Saudi Women Cast First-Ever Votes – And Vie For Offices

9:11am December 12, 2015

by Bill Chappell

But if they want to vote, women will have to catch a ride: the conservative Islamic kingdom still forbids them from driving.

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Hey Iran, Saudi Arabia Has Some News For You

7:38am December 10, 2015

by Deb Amos

The kingdom launched a new Farsi website this week, but how will an Iranian audience react?

Saudi Independent developers showcasing their games at GCON2015.

World News

For Young Saudi Women, Video Games Offer Self-Expression

3:19pm December 09, 2015

by Deborah Amos

Saudi women gamers gather at an annual convention, dressing as their favorite characters and exercising freedoms they want to see more of in their lives.

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Yemeni men clear debris following an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition in the capital, Sanaa, on Nov. 29.

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Human Rights Groups Criticize U.S. Arms Sale To Saudi Arabia

3:07am December 09, 2015

by Deborah Amos

The U.N. is resuming peace talks on the war in Yemen. At the same time, the U.S. plans to sell more weapons to Saudi Arabia, even as civilian casualties from Saudi airstrikes in Yemen continue.

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