Saudi Women To Vote

From the BBC:
"Women in Saudi Arabia to vote and run in elections"

Women in Saudi Arabia are to be given the right to vote and run in future municipal elections, King Abdullah has announced. He said they would also have the right to be appointed to the consultative Shura Council. The move was welcomed by activists who have called for greater rights for women in the kingdom, which enforces a strict version of Sunni Islamic law. "Because we refuse to marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior clerics and others... to involve women in the Shura Council as members, starting from next term," he said. About 10 years ago the king said women should be central to the Saudi economy. Since then, change has been gradual for fear of a religious backlash. Steps have been taken to reduce segregation and give more respect to women. Now, allowing women to stand and vote in municipal elections is a big step towards political reform, even though the municipal councils have very little power.

^ This is a step in the right direction for Saudi Arabia. The only thing I can see as being an issue is that this is that the next election is years away and so a lot can happen between now and then. ^

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15052030