@Secret Agent Girl and James 77:
my blog was intended for my friends and family. I am sorry that you feel it is condescending. I post my own observations and people did indeed wig out when they saw my laptop. There are lots of internet cafes here but they don't have laptops in them. I was there, you weren't.
my blog was intended for my friends and family. I am sorry that you feel it is condescending. I post my own observations and people did indeed wig out when they saw my laptop. There are lots of internet cafes here but they don't have laptops in them. I was there, you weren't.
Why don't you come visit Sana'a? I would be happy to host you and show you around. That way you can decide what you think about it and don't have to take my word for it. I am not kidding. If you are interested, I will send you info about visiting.
I just want people to know that the whole reason I came back after visiting Yemen the first time is that the people and the country itself totally charmed, welcomed and engaged me.
Sometimes it's hard living in a culture that isn't your own for an extended period, and my first reaction was to bitch (note to self: WRONG reaction!) and I didn't think to talk about all the things I love here, like Yemeni hospitality, the amount of interest citizens take in the political process, the great friends - foreign and Yemeni - I have made here and the amazing opportunity to work with a respected independent newspaper.
Not that it is an excuse (although it sure does sound like one, doesn't it?), but I was just answering questions in the same vein as they were asked to me. The way my opinions came out were rude. But it's just one person's opinion. I didn't ask to be interviewed and I am not trying to talk trash about Yemen. I know lots of Yemeni women who are a hell of a lot more ballsy and deserving of an interview than I am.
In fact, let me suggest one right now: 8-year-old divorcee Nojoud Nasser's representative, Shada Mohammed Nasser, who is a well-known human rights activist and lawyer here.
Hopefully those of you who were offended or upset will know that I am deeply regretful that I sounded like such an a-hole.
In summary: I love living here
Sarah Wolff
Hi there!
I wanted to defend myself...just a little bit and I wanted to apologize if I came off as flippant.
I wanted to defend myself...just a little bit and I wanted to apologize if I came off as flippant.
I truly do love Yemen, whether that was clear from this story or not, and I love getting to report stories that can(hopefully)help people.
I encourage you to read the paper online if you have the chance and let me know what you think- criticsm and suggestions are welcome.
www.yementimes.com
Sarah Wolff, Sub-Editor, Yemen Times
excuse the mistake in my earlier post - Yemen Times is still looking into ways for people to give money to Nojoud. Also, I forgot to add that her divorce is expected to be finalized tomorrow (Tuesday) and her father will not be prosecuted because of his insanity.
To all followers of Nojoud's story:
Here is the reporter's follow-up story, complete with information about how to lobby Yemeni Parliament to change the laws about early marriage in the country. Thanks again, and please know that we are still working ways for people to send money to Nojoud.
Here is the reporter's follow-up story, complete with information about how to lobby Yemeni Parliament to change the laws about early marriage in the country. Thanks again, and please know that we are still working ways for people to send money to Nojoud.
LINK:
[yementimes.com]
@secretagentgirl and CecilMcCecil
I will definitely try and find out what we can all do to help. I will also ask Hamed to find out any updates on the story.
My editor-in-chief, Nadia Al-Sakkaf, is a huge supporter of human rights. I can ask her how the Yemen Times and Jezebel.com can work together to help/fund/educate/safeguard this brave little girl.
More info by the by....
Thanks for your initiative!
Hi there Jezebel readers. I am an American editor who works at the Yemen Times. I just wanted to update those of you who are following this story. Most important facts first:
1) Unfortunately, Nojoud has not yet won the case. We will be following it as it goes to court. She has only filed suit and the issue has not yet gone in front of a judge. They can arrest people in Yemen without real charges, so this is why Nojoud's (foul and reprehensible) husband is in jail.
2) This story made the entire staff cry! Nojoud's lawyer actually called our office to notify us about it. And Hamed does indeed deserve a raise and I will tell him Jezebel.com thinks so!
3)The American ambassador in Yemen is actually Stephen Seche, not Tom Krajeski.
4) Maged Thabet Al-Kholidy just submits articles for the opinions page, he isn't employed by the Yemen Times. I think his opinions are utterly and completely wrong, but he is entitled to them (as offensive as they are) and sadly there are probably a lot of people in Yemen who share it, at least as far as I have experienced the country.
Thanks to everyone for your interest in our stories.
Sarah Wolff, Sub-Editor, Yemen Times
