"Feminist foreign policy" in shambles as Sweden kisses Saudi Arabia's feet

Saudi Arabia withdrew its envoy earlier this month over Swedish criticism of the monarchy’s treatment of women and dissidents.

Sweden’s government announced a “feminist” foreign policy when it took power in September.

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstroem criticized policies affecting women, who cannot drive cars and need permission from a male guardian for many decisions.

The response from Arab nations was swift. Wallström’s invitation to address a meeting of the Arab League in Cairo on March 9 was canceled. In protest, Saudi Arabia and the UAE recalled their ambassadors from Sweden. Moreover, Saudi Arabia notified Sweden that it has stopped issuing business visas to Swedish nationals and companies, a move that Sweden fears other Arab states will follow.

Wallström has defended herself from criticism from Arab nations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The minister contends that her comments of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record was not an attack on Islam.

“We have very many Muslims in Sweden. This government will do everything it can to restore our relationship with the Saudi government,” she said. “We intend to use all our diplomatic tools to ensure that we can restore our bilateral relationship.”

Sweden has apologized for the recent offensive remarks by its foreign minister against the laws of Saudi Arabia and hoped for better relations between the two countries.

In a message to King Salman, Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Lofven expressed “deep sorrow and regret over the current crisis in the relations between the two countries” while stressing his government’s keenness to maintain healthy relations between the two countries.

So you agree we should let women get oppressed and abused then?

I don't see anything wrong with criticizing Saudi treatment of women. Shame that more Western nations don't do it, and pathetic that Sweden apologized.

That's Islamophobic.

Oh no, we have one of these people who makes it their job to attack everything to do with feminism and everything feminist's say even if it makes sense.

I don't see anything wrong with criticizing Saudi treatment of women. Shame that more Western nations don't do it, and pathetic that Sweden apologized.

The Saudis, Pakistan and the West are on the same side, and have been for some time. On the opposite side are the Eastern nations (China, India, Russia, Iran).

Whatever happened to cultural sensitivity, tolerance, having an open mind? Your eurocentricism is blinding you to the beauty of other cultures! Orientalism at its worst.

That's not what orientalism means.

From the first result on google:

'"Orientalism” is a way of seeing that imagines, emphasizes, exaggerates and distorts differences of Arab peoples and cultures as compared to that of Europe and the U.S. It often involves seeing Arab culture as exotic, backward, uncivilized, and at times dangerous.'

From the first result on google:

'"Orientalism” is a way of seeing that imagines, emphasizes, exaggerates and distorts differences of Arab peoples and cultures as compared to that of Europe and the U.S. It often involves seeing Arab culture as exotic, backward, uncivilized, and at times dangerous.'

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/orientalism

Your definition is limited.

The Arab world is not in the Orient. Indonesia - maybe, but whilst a majority Moslem nation, is certainly not an Arab world.

the sentiment is not what's at issue here. It's the stupidity.

OP thinks he (or she?? ) is being really clever.

I suspect Saudi Arabia had no choice in the matter.

Considering its views on women and feminism, to be admonished by a woman feminist foreign minister openly could have resulted in no other response.

exactly. they just fundamentally think differently, and have political sway over the west.

Realpolitik bitches. Learn it.