Slander according to wikipedia; In common law jurisdictions, slander refers to a malicious, false and defamatory spoken statement or report, while libel refers to any other form of communication such as written words or images. Most jurisdictions allow legal actions, civil and/or criminal, to deter various kinds of defamation and retaliate against groundless criticism. Related to defamation is public disclosure of private facts, which arises where one person reveals information that is not of public concern, and the release of which would offend a reasonable person. "Unlike [with] libel, truth is not a defense for invasion of privacy."[2]

... and there's the rub:- groundless criticism!

That is, rather than constructive.

Or, indeed, whatever it is the opposite of "groundless" is deemed to be!

As I have said before Franklin, I would be happy to go back tomorrow (as it were) ... if (and it’s a big "if") I could do so on my own terms.

Time marches on, and somehow I doubt that conditions in the Kingdom are as relaxed as they once were. I think it may be true to say that the invasion of Iraq changed everything (and the continuation of events in Afghanistan certainly don't help). The aftermath of (reaction to) all that was, after all, why I was prompted to escape the last time.

I also have many stories, but don’t forget that the idea was always meant to be (in theory at least) that we were there to assist in developing the nation (healthcare system, whatever). I can still recall the novelty of encountering my first Saudi biomed, but by this time there should be many (I would have thought). And, why not?

Like many others who have spent any time at all in the Kingdom, I am aware of quite a few cases where expats (and here I mean non-Saudi workers of all nationalities) have been abused in one way or another. I myself lost (was never paid) a lot of money, and had to resort to the Labour Court and all the rest (and still only managed to recover 50% of what I was owed). But I shouldn't moan too much ... some expats lost their lives!

I loved the desert. I loved the simple life. But (as I say) doubt that such as myself would feel so comfortable roaming around the souks in desert townships these days.

The Kingdom has also seen a population explosion. This means there are many, many more idjits on the roads (always a major heath hazard, but now even worse). There is also a feeling (sensed by me, at least), especially in the larger cities, of a dissatisfaction amongst the youth. It’s almost as if they are just waiting for "something to happen" – to trigger unrest of one kind or another. The trouble with that sort of thing is that it’s folk like you and I who are likely to end up as the targets! Who could we turn to for help (protection)? No one.

But lastly, don’t be too hard on the mudeers ... there are over-paid, ridiculous idiots everywhere. You can even find them in UK government hospitals, believe it or not!

what you say is absolutely correct Geoff, they judge a book by the cover....So if you have Blonde hair and blue eyes you would attract more attention then me for example, having Black hair, brown eyes...

Yes, I have found it difficult to have a meaningful conversation about such things as "embracing the faith" ... when the other party is engaged in throwing rocks at you.

At this moment in time it is more difficult, I went in 1988...then no wars etc, but 2009 alot has happened. different scenario now

Yes, best to leave it all as a fond memory, I reckon. And (if necessary) seek pastures anew, just as you seem to have done.

I never worry, still walk to the shops, balad etc. in shorts and T-shirt talk with the shopkeepers as normal. The local population are still behind their huge walls. The compounds are more like open prisons, but I just blank that out and get on with life as best as possible. Take a look at your own areas, people are scared to go out at night and where are the police (on the motorways chasing speeding motorists) catching real criminals is too dangerous.

I doubt that you're talking about places like Najran, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Domat Al-Jundal (or any number of small desert towns), there Neil.

Yes, England is a mess, but (and to be fair) you can get help if and when you really need it.

No compounds here, Mate (not where I am, at least).

It appears that Neil intends to spend the rest of his life in the Magic Kingdom.

I don't know if they will you citizenship unless you have completed all the rounds...