Saturday, Dec 17, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai Saudi Arabia which has been a central pillar of the Arab world for decades saw an initial flurry of relatively small and restricted demonstrations in March. However, protests were banned on the pretext that threats to national security and stability would not be tolerated.
The present political and security situation is relatively stable. King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz acted fast to curb unrest and pledged an estimated $100 billion (Dh370 billion) to increase public wages and welfare benefits, as well as the introduction of a house building programme. A minor government reshuffle took place and the second municipal elections were held in September.
Saudis however say that they are less concerned about democratic elections than about fixing chronic problems, including the lack of housing, unemployment which is a real problem in the wealthy kingdom.
In September, King Abdullah granted women the right to vote and run in future municipal elections, the biggest change in a decade for women in a country where there is strict separation of sexes and a ban on women from driving.
A campaign to defy the country’s ban on women driving gained international attention in June after 32-year-old, Manal Al Sharif, was detained for 10 days after she posted a video of herself driving. More women followed suit but the movement did not see significant results and has died out since then.
Gulf News Report
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
