Nightline: Death of a Princess. Did anyone see that? What a way to

[acmavm]

live. Or rather, what a way NOT to live.

The worst part about all this is that Islam is not meant to be about the psycho killer male chauvinist crazy crap they're spouting now. It was a very democratic, sensible, fair, and accepting religion in the beginning. But let a religion get 'established' and this is what you get. We have our fundies, they have theirs, the Israelis have theirs.

Like George Carlin says "Religion is the most toxic substance on earth."

[lavenderdiva]

1. I saw the beginning...

and Tivo'd it to finish watching later... I thought the beginning was kinda confusing as to the manner of her death. It seemed that she was beheaded, but at the point of the execution in one scene, I distinctly heard a gunshot. That was the point the channel got switched, so I guess I'll have to watch the whole thing later on to get the full story. Also, did it become more clear which parts were re-enacted and which parts were actual documentary? From the brief bit I saw, this was confusing. Looked interesting though.

[acmavm]

3. It is confusing until about three quarters through it. Then you start to

understand why she did what she did, why she was executed, how she could have prevented it but didn't, what really happened, and why it made the Saudis so damn made 25 years ago when it was made.

[R. A. Fuqua]

2. is this based on a book?

I vaguely remember a book about a Saudi Princess who was executed for having sexual relations outside of marriage?

I read it a while back--I think it actually happened in the 1980's (the story I am thinking of). I believe in the book the princess was shot--they were merciful because she was a princess--if she was just an ordinary woman they would have buried her in sand up to her neck and then stoned her to death.

[acmavm]

4. Yep, this happened back in 78. But there's a lot more to the story.

It's just so sad how backwards some people, some culture's can be.

[R. A. Fuqua]

5. It is probably the same story

(as the book I only vaguely remember). I will have to watch it and refresh my memory. I remember being very moved when I read the book--but unfortunately it has been so long since I read the story that my memory is extremely hazy. I will check the listings and watch the video.

I appreciate DU--for informing us that it would be on.

[Valerie5555]

6. Oh good it wasn't in reference to the Saudi Princess known as SULTANA who

seemed to have a tonne of OVARIAN FORTITUDE in writing those books on how women were treated in Saudi Arabia.

[onager]

7. A good reference...

...on this incident and Saudi Arabia in general is The Kingdom by Robert Lacey. It's old but still very good.

I read it before I went to Saudi Arabia to work for 2 years. I could not take it with me because it is banned in Saudi Arabia...naturally.