Today’s post will focus on some interesting current events related to the Middle East.
First, a note on following news from the Middle East: English language-reporting can be inaccurate and severely lacking, even in major news outlets. This isn’t meant to disparage anyone; it’s just that anyone who doesn’t speak Arabic will miss things, little subtleties and nuances that can make a world of difference. We’ll go into this in a separate post, but for now suffice to say that I take any reporting or analysis of the Middle East by those who don’t speak Arabic with a grain of salt and often disregard it completely.
If you can, it is always best to access primary source-information (much easier in this age of social media), compare several articles, and, above all, form your own conclusions.
Saudi astronauts
With that being said, while perusing Middle East news this week, I came across some truly fascinating and exciting news. Axiom Space, a private spaceflight and space infrastructure company, has launched its second mission to the International Space Station. On board the mission are two Saudi astronauts, Ali Alqarni and Rayanna Barnawi. Ms. Barnawi is making history as the first Saudi woman in space and the first Arab woman to orbit the Earth.
Rayannah Barnawi
Reading Barnawi’s enclosed biography on the Axiom Space website will shatter many stereotypes I have heard expressed about Arabs, especially about women in Arab society. Barnawi is a biomedical researcher specializing in stem cells with an undergraduate degree from a university in New Zealand and a Saudi master’s degree.
Continuing, “Outside of her professional career, Barnawi is an outdoor and sports enthusiast participating in adventures around the world. From scuba diving in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, hang gliding, ledge swinging, river in New Zealand, to hiking and rafting in Türkiye, and much more”.
I can count several at least 4 stereotypes shattered.
This is very exciting and I wish the entire mission the best of luck. I am looking forward to hearing updates.
I especially look forward to seeing the Saudi astronauts prepare the Arabic coffee Barnawi is bringing in space.
I recommend this short but inspiring interview with her – Rayyanah Barnawi, Ax-2 Mission Specialist – YouTube.
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