Posted on Dec 13, 2015
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A female has won a political position in Saudi Arabia. The positions they were allowed to run for were low level positions in three municiple councils. Some people want to herald this a big win for women in the region. The truth is this is the tiniest of baby steps to be won by women in the region.

The candidates were and are not allowed to speak directly to the male population or male politicians.

The candidates are not allowed to have their faces shown publicly.

They will not be allowed to occupy the same space as male politicians.

Many female voters were not allowed to vote because they were unable to produce identification or drive themselves to the polls. This is not because they don't have it but because it is in the possession of their male family members. The result of this was a low turnout of the female population.

In Saudi Arabia where Wahhabism is predominately practiced this event is viewed as an attempt to Westernize the region and it is expected that the candidates will face backlash (resentment) as a result of this.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/13/world/first-women-elected-to-office-in-saudi-arabia/index.html
Posted in these groups: Middle east logo Middle EastImages Women in the Military
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Responses: 9
Capt Richard I P.
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Great! More (equivalent) power for women is generally a stabilizing force in the world. I just hope there isn't much backlash.
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Cpl Jeff N.
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Progress...If you say so. This is the 21st century and look how most of the women in the photo are dressed. A woman wins a low level election in Saudi Arabia and we think that is progress. This is a more likely a misdirection by the ruling elite (it is a monarchy) to make the west think they are making progress. We will fall for it almost every time.
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Cpl Jeff N.
Did you read what was written below the picture? It is not viewed as progress.
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Cpl Jeff N.
Cpl Jeff N.
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My comment was more toward the other comments that viewed this as progress. I view it as a distraction by a monarchy that wants to improve it's perception in the world and knows how to manipulate with the best of them.
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Cpl Jeff N. - Thank you. I agree with you.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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I heard the CEO of one of the big dept stores just gushing about it. She was just head over heels about the election she just so happens to be a Princess of the Royal Family and US Educated.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
These women are on the way to go shopping. Sarcasm
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