King Abdullah I of Saudi Arabia dies, aged 90

[scottish]

Scotland aren't flying flags at half mast either.

[AgnesIO]

Scotland aren't flying flags at half mast either.

Good - it is ridiculous to do so.

Not because of the human rights stuff, but it isn't 'respectful' to him, given that being a strict Sunni you don't mark death like that :S

[-:Undertaker:-]

Flags at half mast in the UK, but flown at full mast in Saudi.

Laughable.

From my recollection that is apparently due to the flag customs and law regarding the Saudi flag, I don't think it is ever allowed to be lowered as there have been points before where even at the UN the Saudi flag is the only one flying at full mast. Something to do with the flag being the symbol of the House of Saud as well as the religious text sprawled across it. Pretty similar to the Sovereign's flag in this country, it is never lowered. Ever.

[AgnesIO]

From my recollection that is apparently due to the flag customs and law regarding the Saudi flag, I don't think it is ever allowed to be lowered as there have been points before where even at the UN the Saudi flag is the only one flying at full mast. Something to do with the flag being the symbol of the House of Saud as well as the religious text sprawled across it. Pretty similar to the Sovereign's flag in this country, it is never lowered. Ever.

Good - it is ridiculous to do so.

Not because of the human rights stuff, but it isn't 'respectful' to him, given that being a strict Sunni you don't mark death like that :S

Indeed - just don't get why we are therefore doing it - that isn't a part of their 'Life'.

[The Don]

Indeed - just don't get why we are therefore doing it - that isn't a part of their 'Life'.

Apparently we do it for the death of every head of state we're not at war with.

[GommeInc]

It seems a bit weird but if it really is because it's lowered for heads of state who we are not at war with then I suppose it is fair. It's still pretty heinous that Charles goes to his funeral yet he (or even the Queen) can't be bothered to go to the funeral of a relative in Belgium which is only a short flight - especially one that advocated peace and liberty between our two nations.

I will hold this grudge for a while