Sunday, June 19, 2011

COMMENTARY: Time for Saudi Arabia to Allow Women to Drive

On June 17, 2011, several women in Saudi Arabia challenged the ban on women driving in the kingdom known for its strict restrictions on the rights of women.

A campaign of civil disobedience -- called "Women2drive" -- urged women to get behind the wheel throughout Saudi Arabia. No arrests were reported.

It is accepted in Saudi Arabia that women are subservient to men. Most Saudi women are chauffer-driven, although some husbands drive their wives everywhere they go.

Some Muslim leaders fear that if women are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, they might turn that freedom into activities that could result into unfaithfulness to their husbands.

As a result of the plethora of turmoil for democracy that has pervaded several Middle Eastern Islamic nations during the past several months, the Saudi royalty now appears to be more willing to let women drive than it previously had.

The fact is that women should be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, just as men are. Indeed, Saudi Arabia must end its ban on women drivers -- now!

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