As an Arab-American I'm confused by what's being inferred by the American Thinker article about our culture as voters. Maybe whoever wrote, and distributed, the article is unaware that many Arab-Americans are Christians, or Jews, and not simply a monolith of Muslim votes? Maybe they are also unaware that before Bush most Arab-Americans voted Republican because they felt they had religious values in common with the right? If the Arab-American vote is a "threat" to the American Israeli alliance, then the finger shouldn't be pointed at either Obama or us, but at themselves.

I'm so weary of Islamophobia that I can think of a finger I'd like to point at American Thinker myself.

If Israel were to be allowed access to Iraqi air space, in order to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities, that would be another way in which the current Bush would distinguish himself from his father. During the first Gulf War (which was really the second as the Arab world considers the Iran-Iraq war to have been the 1st one) Israel was not allowed into Saudi air space to retaliate after Tel Aviv was bombed, nor were they allowed to join the war. I hate to say it about the 1st Bush, but that was actually some savvy diplomacy on his part.

I suppose an attack on Iran is a scenario that I should prepare myself for given that both Lebanon and Syria were bombed with full permission of the current Bush administration.

These caveats make a lot of sense given the structure and quirks of Saudi society. First of all, there just aren't enough drivers to go around, especially when families share them. So, the restricted hours mean that young women can drive to school, work, drop kids at school or day care etc.-- and yes, women do work in Saudi Arabia.

I'm surprised by the age restriction though, when I visited my family in Jeddah just last year they were saying the driving ban would be lifted for women over thirty. Women under thirty are likely to be followed and "cruised" by shabab (young men)while going about their daily business. When I was 19 and living in Jeddah I have no doubt that if I'd been allowed to drive I'd have tried to hook up with guys, it's just normal. Women under thirty driving? Very interesting.

So, again, given the context these all make sense. The story behind the scenes of course is of the fed up women who are making waves, generation after generation, and ultimately getting what they want because they have the patience to create change in that strict society. Seen through western eyes, I suppose our groundbreaking changes are glacially slow, but that's post-colonialism for you ;)

Change in Saudi Arabia is unavoidable. Many Saudi's like myself have lived in or travel to the Gulf, where Emirati women drive, in hijab, work with men, and have no problems. In fact, I think it's fair to say that our government is ten paces behind where the society's already at.

The irony here is that Sarah Palin has achieved what she's achieved because of traditional feminism. You have to give her credit for her self-confidence and ambition, she never had to question it. The McCain campaign was quick to jump on, and label her by, the nickname she acquired because of her prowess on the basketball court. They really need to thank Title 9.

RNC feminists are lucky, in this era they can choose between a home life or a career; certainly many juggle both. That they've been able to use this hard fought, hard won freedom of "choice" to promote an agenda that would take away mine is twisted, terrifying, and revolting.

Only in Jeddah could this have happened, but I'm biased because it's my hometown. These girls are brave, but I guarantee you that a lot of other girls have been rocking out too, even 10, 20 years ago. I love this new generation, they don't take no for an answer and they make the internet work for them. That IS revolution.

Music has always been a source of support and inspiration for Saudi youth, whether it's Amro Diab or Iron Maiden; there is a lot of monotony to break up. I was detained once by the Religious police in '93 for trying to buy the latest Depeche Mode release, which back then was Violator. I knew what I was getting in to, but just had to hear "Personal Jesus".

These days satellites beam everything in to the country, you'd be surprised how typical girls like these are. What's new and important is that they're putting themselves out there as a band and want to play mixed gender gigs.

Ultimately the members of the Accolade are like any other alternative minded girls. I don't find this a feminist issue at all, just human. Which Saudis are you know, human beings.

I agree! He appeals to a wide range. I thought Arabic music was stuffy and silly until he came along. But that was an aspect of my culture I had to grow into, back then Minor Threat and Ministry held more interest for me. I so relate to The Accolade.

Nawal, yes, really lovely. I really like Majida El-Rumi too, and of the two bombshells, Nancy Ajram and Haifa Wehbe, I find Haifa really entertaining. Rachid Taha is fave though, because he's very much a rocker.