WASHINGTON: The Bush administration is criticizing some of its closest Arab allies for not doing enough to combat human trafficking.
The State Department s annual Trafficking in Persons Report raises concern about seven allied Arab states, including key Middle East peace partners Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Four of the Arab countries are cited for failing to take adequate steps to end the transportation of mainly women and children for forced labor, indentured servitude and sex.
Saudi Arabia was listed in that lowest category in the State Department s annual Trafficking in Persons Report for the fourth straight year.
The report also criticizes Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, among countries in others parts of the world. -AP
