Criticism of the Middle East should not be directed only at Saudi Arabia. Human rights abuses are happening throughout the Arab world.
Jamal KhashoggiRead
I don't want to be a dissident. But in the same time, I don't want to go back home and be silent again.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the struggle between the desire for peace and the need to speak out against injustice.
Jamal Khashoggi's quote captures the inner conflict faced by individuals who wish to voice their beliefs and oppose wrongdoing, yet also fear the repercussions of dissent. It highlights the courage required to stand up for one's convictions, particularly in oppressive environments where silence often feels safer. His words resonate as a call to action for those who are torn between personal safety and the moral obligation to speak out against injustice.
In practice
During a human rights seminar, this quote could illustrate the importance of speaking up for justice.
Criticism of the Middle East should not be directed only at Saudi Arabia. Human rights abuses are happening throughout the Arab world.
I just want to be a free writer. I think I am serving my country and my people by providing an independent narrative.
I have left my home, my family, and my job, and I am raising my voice. To do otherwise would betray those who languish in prison. I can speak when so many cannot.
I would like to see evolution in my country, not revolution. It is much better for us to work together with the government to transform Saudi Arabia for the future.
The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events. More important, we need to provide a platform for Arab voices.
The Arab world is facing its own version of an Iron Curtain, imposed not by external actors but through domestic forces vying for power.
Mankind owns four things that are no good at sea: rudder, anchor, oars and the fear of going down.
My applications submitted to the Tribunal regarding my interview during the hunger strike were misinterpreted, and it was published in the press that I was going to offer defence, though in reality I was never willing to offer any defence.
Look how fears have presented themselves, so have supports and encouragements; yea, when I have started, even as it were at nothing else but my shadow, yet God, as being very tender of me, hath suffered me to be molested, but would with one Scripture or another, strengthen me against all; insomuch that I have often said, Were it awful, I could pray for greater trouble, for the greater comfort's sake.
Yes, it is hard out there. But hard is relative. I come from a middle-class family, my parents are academics. I was born after the Civil Rights movement, I was a toddler during the women's movement, I live in the United States of America, all of which means I am allowed to own my freedom, my rights, my voice and my uterus.
I guess [coming out publicly] seems like a weight off my shoulders. Iβve been playing a lot better than Iβve ever played before. I think Iβm just enjoying myself and Iβm happy.
Under the worst conditions, horrendous conditions, people still, you know, fight for their rights and don't just succumb.
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