Our government may say that we're engaging the Saudis to foster reform in the kingdom. Apartheid South Africa's allies made similar arguments, calling for "constructive engagement" with the racist regime. Thankfully, Canada rejected that approach and led the world on sanctions, which hastened the end of apartheid.

It's been called the Games for everybody. But, this is not true. Women are not equal to men in the Olympics, and it needs to be fixed. It can't be lied about, or glorified for what it isn't. The Olympics are not equal, and to insist they are is insulting to equality and women. We've made strides, but not enough. If it's only a good start, then it should only be reported as a good start.

For the first time, two Saudi Arabian women have publicly stated their interest in participating in the Olympic movement. But the Middle Eastern nation has never sent a female to the Olympics and doesn't plan on it anytime soon. There are currently 153 youth leagues supported by the Saudi government, yet all blatantly exclude female participation. Is it time for the Olympic Committee to take a stand?

It is no secret that the idea of amalgamating into a single country, which was farthest away from the minds of the rulers of these countries, was only contemplated as a direct result of the Arab Spring which toppled several Arab dictators who were thought to be completely invincible, and left the rest of them asking "Who will be next?" Now more than ever, a union of the Arab Gulf states is possible.

Let's face it, Canada is without a doubt one of the best places in the world to be a woman. To dispute this is not only ludicrous but it is also a slap in the face to the many women who suffer very real and bloody gender based oppression and abuse in places like Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Getting involved in opposition against the oil sands is simply a dirty trick against a competitor. But it's also more. The oil sands can supply the world with lots more oil, thus keeping prices lower than otherwise.

Lawyers for the Saudi Arabian government sent a letter to the Television Bureau of Canada demanding that approval for the Ethical Oil ad be withdrawn. It's one thing for Saudi Arabia to oppress its own citizens