Prince Charles forced to raise human rights on Mid East tour
Nargess Moballeghi
Press TV, London
They are relationships that are seen as pivotal to Britain’s economic and political stability. But relationships that are becoming harder – and harder to maintain.
That was particularly clear on Prince Charles 6 day visit to the Middle East, including two days in Saudi Arabia.
While once the government – with the help of the royals – could foster relations with Persian Gulf monarchies without much attention. That’s just simply not the case anymore. As Britain increasingly makes vocal pronouncements on democracy and human rights. And Monarchy’s like Saudi Arabia have an increasingly dismal record on both. The consequence is that the chorus and cry of hypocrisy has gotten steadily louder.
So loud now that it simply can’t be ignored. In an unprecedented step – Prince Charles was forced, not only to bring up, but to publicise the fact that he had discussed the plight of jailed blogger Raid Badawi with the new Saudi King.
But for critics, the step simply doesn’t go far enough.
On the eve of the trip, Prince Charles himself admitted that the ideology of radicalisation is alarming.
There was no comment from Prince Charles connecting the Saudi regime to this “greatest worry”. It’s a link that the government shies away from too. But just as human rights and democracy issues cannot be ignored forever, neither can this.
Protests and skepticism greet Trump’s 'Board of Peace'
Muslims across India begin holy month of Ramadan
Friends of Palestine meet at UN in Vienna
Iran ‘serious’ on achieving a ‘fair’ deal with US, Araghchi tells Lavrov
Trump administration gives ICE broader powers to detain legal refugees
Hamas slams Israeli restrictions on access to al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan
Iran’s Dena destroyer docks in Indian port as Tehran, New Delhi discuss maritime security
Trump plans to establish 'massive' military base in southern Gaza: Report
NYT questions Trump’s justification for threatening war on Iran
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Araghchi stresses efforts to draft negotiating text between Iran and US
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
