Where are the Women? The Symbols are Revealing

Not mentioned on the mass media during the second round of Obama's Apology Tour are the absence of women. Or, as Obama made clear this week, Americans can not impose their values on the world. No women, certainly not Michelle, were to be seen as Obama prostrated before his keeper again. It was not until later accounts continued the story did I find that Hillary was actually there as well. She just was not visible in keeping with how the dictators do things. Women are second class citizens so I suppose they should just get used to how things are in the new world order.

The staged event is a farce. Also obvious in their absence is the complete lack of people. The only attendees, and they look like they are in a totally secure area of the desert, are officials. The welcoming is completely removed from any person in the street.

In addition, I see that Obama did not ask the dictator to remove the obvious Muslim symbols and the American flag was off to the side and in the background.

The award has rich Islamic symbolism. Obama received the

Order of Abdulaziz al Saud. The order is awarded to citizens of Saudi-Arabia and foreigners for merit. The number of Saudi confirments is limited and the have to start their career in the order in the lowest class. A member can be promoted every five years.

There [sic] are a Special Class, the "Distinghuised First Class" and three other classes corresponding with Grand-Officer, Commander, Officer and Member[4]. The Saudi [sic] avoid the word "cross" as in "Grand-Cross". Cf. Wikipedia article based on: Guy Stair Sainty en Rafal Heydel-Mankoo, World Orders of Knighthood and Merit" (ISBN 0971196672), Londen 2006.

On the other hand, the Collar of Abdulaziz al Saud is distinctive.

The collar is regarded as a separate order, it is also the highest ranking [of] the Order of Abdulaziz al Saud, unlike the Great Chain of Badr it is awarded to non-moslim [sic] heads of state. Cf. Wikipedia.

The Collar is only awarded to a non-Muslim but the Order of Abdulaziz al Saud is awarded to a Muslim.

In addition, as Obama has made clear, it is only for the Christians, such as when the formerly Catholic University, Georgetown, was asked to cover up references to Jesus when Obama spoke there.

At the very least, no one seems to know the protocol. Even if Obama was introducing his staff to the dictator, which might be possible, he still is extending his hand to shake. Doesn't anyone know what the protocol is? At least one woman is visible: staff.

This is an odd beginning for the U.S. as "one of the largest Muslim nations in the world."