This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This is apropos of a news item about a Saudi princess' plea to President Obama to assist with women's rights violations in the palaces. I am just an ordinary U.S. citizen who is unaware of diplomatic intricacies. However, being a woman, I realize that when a woman calls for help she must be heeded ("Imprisoned Saudi princesses blame their father King Abdullah as their mother calls on Obama to help free them," Daily Mail, March 27).
Having been born in Southeast Asia, I do know that a woman's plea for assistance indicates desperation, for such attention often leads her into more trouble. I understand that many so-called princesses and queens in those Islamic countries are actually serving life sentences in the palaces while their male counterparts enjoy luxuries and often promiscuous lifestyles with total impunity.
Yes, they are sons of a better Allah. But we in the civilized world must consider all human rights violations as equal, no matter where and who perpetuates them. I urge President Obama to convey our concerns to the king. We will be watching!
Nazia Junejo, M.D.
Salt Lake City