Monday, September 26, 2011

Saudi Women Step into the Modern Era

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia just granted women the right to vote, and the right to run for office.  He is perhaps taking a look around at the 'Arab Spring' and deciding to get ahead of the curve.

"Abdullah said the changes announced Sunday would also allow women to be appointed to the Shura Council, the advisory body selected by the king that is currently all-male.
The council, established in 1993, offers opinions on general policies in the kingdom and debates economic and social development plans and agreements signed between the kingdom and other nations."
(msnbc)

Saudi Arabia is a deeply conservative Muslim nation.  These changes are perhaps the most modern to be seen in such a country even throughout this time of deep reflection and deep change.

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