Saudi Arabia,the Internet and the Blogosphere
CHICAGO, USA -- Mshari Al-Zaydi, the English language, Arab-owned international daily Asharq Al-Awsat’s opinion page Editor, notes in a post in the December 10, 2007, edition that, "According to the prevalent circulating information; internet technology was first introduced in Saudi Arabia in January 1999, despite the fact that the first application of the World Wide Web technology dates back to 1992 after it was released by the US Department of Defense in 1983."
"The Internet was well-received in Saudi and everyone was impressed by its capabilities, especially the fact that all the required information could be obtained with the click of a button," he contends. "Some could not stand to wait for the slow-paced efforts to introduce the Internet to Saudi and instead subscribed to the international rates available in Bahrain or the United Arab Emirates (UAE)," he writes.
Mshari said, "It did not take long for the public to catch on to forums and chat rooms, which developed quickly and efficiently. Al Sahat website became the most prominent Arab platform where political and ideological wars were launched between bloggers," he added. "The web site used to be characterized by a plethora of visitors, some of whom supported the Taliban, then Al Qaeda following the 9/11 attacks, and others who fiercely defended liberalism and enlightenment. The level of debates in the website’s forums was once compelling and used to transcend the sensitivities of politicians and conservatives."
To read more, if you're so inclined, see "The Internet: Who Will Stop The Flood?
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