Kuwaiti Women Win Parliamentary Seats

WorldMay 2009 • Views: 2,659

Fantastic news from Kuwait, where the modern world finally seems to be taking hold: In a first, four women elected to parliament.

Some great news for women in the conservative Persian Gulf: Kuwaitis elected their first-ever women lawmakers [second item] to parliament.

Voters in four districts elevated women into parliamentary jobs. It’s believed to be the first time women have been elected to serve as lawmakers in any of the oil-rich Gulf monarchies. Kuwaiti women were only granted the right to vote in 2005.

“It’s a victory for Kuwaiti women and a victory for Kuwaiti democracy,” lawmaker Aseel Awadhi, a philosophy professor, said after winning a seat.

The nation’s 50-seat parliament doesn’t have the power to challenge Kuwait’s ruling Sabah family, but it does have the power to slow up building projects and policy changes. When the last parliament tried to summon the prime minister on corruption allegations, the ruling Emir, Sheik Sabah al-Sabah, dissolved the chamber and called for new elections.

One of the winners, Massouma Mubarak, previously served as Kuwait’s health minister, the country’s first female Cabinet member.

On Sunday the Emir said he wholeheartedly supported women’s arrival in the parliament.

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101 comments

vxbush Sun, May 17, 2009 9:40:25am

That is good news indeed.

debutaunt Sun, May 17, 2009 9:41:23am

Look at what Ayaan Hirsi Ali help cause.

code red 21 Sun, May 17, 2009 9:41:59am

Great news and I hope they have good security

rwmofo Sun, May 17, 2009 9:43:47am

We see progress while some of the guys over there are flummoxed. How do you stop this? Ahhhhh!

MacDuff Sun, May 17, 2009 9:44:32am

I can't help but wonder if installing a democracy in Iraq had some small part in this. I can't say it did and I can't say it didn't and there is really no way to tell.

Clearly though, it's a great defeat for the backward misogynists, and that is fantastic news!

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 9:45:02am

It’s believed to be the first time women have been elected to serve as lawmakers in any of the oil-rich Gulf monarchies. Kuwaiti women were only granted the right to vote in 2005.
WOW! We can only hope that this becomes a fast moving trend.

clgood Sun, May 17, 2009 9:45:10am

I hope this Parliament lasts long enough to mean something. I have a feeling it's going to be difficult.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 9:45:51am

The Left loves to blame the US for all the ills of the world, will they give credit now that some progressive happening occurred?

I ain't holding my breath waiting.

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 9:46:14am

Could they drive themselves to the polls?

MacDuff Sun, May 17, 2009 9:47:07am

re: #4 rwmofo

We see progress while some of the guys over there are flummoxed. How do you stop this? Ahhhhh!

/

How do you say "WTF?!?" in Arabic?

rwmofo Sun, May 17, 2009 9:47:21am

I bet we'll eventually hear about calls for punishment for one of the newly elected ladies for something she says or does.

itellu3times Sun, May 17, 2009 9:47:48am

Kuwaiti Women Win Parliamentary Seats

They don't have to stand?
/badda-boom

rwmofo Sun, May 17, 2009 9:47:54am

re: #9 MandyManners

Could they drive themselves to the polls?

Not in Saudi Arabia.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 9:47:59am

re: #4 rwmofo

We see progress while some of the guys over there are flummoxed. How do you stop this? Ahhhhh!

/

Must really suck being rescued from under the thumb of Saddam with an army of American men AND women.

For that I couldn't be happier. My thanks for all our veterans and current active duty for their service.

lostlakehiker Sun, May 17, 2009 9:49:05am

This is fine but it's not big. Kuwait, you see, is small. What's happening in Pakistan is not fine, but it's big. Pakistan, you see, is big.

The future will be shaped more by big events in big nations. Pakistan is not necessarily falling to the Taliban, but it's a grim day when that possibility even sits on the horizon.

little boomer Sun, May 17, 2009 9:49:13am

Islam you can live with. Hope it's catchy.

Henchman Ghazi-808 Sun, May 17, 2009 9:49:32am

Thank you GHWB and Stormin Normin. America's military has done more for peace and freedom than any other entity or organization.

itellu3times Sun, May 17, 2009 9:49:51am

They have a parliament? Who knew!

Soona' Sun, May 17, 2009 9:50:07am

re: #4 rwmofo

We see progress while some of the guys over there are flummoxed. How do you stop this? Ahhhhh!

/

If Blinky gets canned from being Speaker, maybe she has somewhere to go now.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 9:50:36am

From chattels to full participatory citizenship, and in less than a decade.

realwest Sun, May 17, 2009 9:50:46am

I think this is truly a great start to ending the rule of misogynists and perhaps some day, equal rights for women and men in Kuwait.
However:

The nation’s 50-seat parliament doesn’t have the power to challenge Kuwait’s ruling Sabah family, but it does have the power to slow up building projects and policy changes. When the last parliament tried to summon the prime minister on corruption allegations, the ruling Emir, Sheik Sabah al-Sabah, dissolved the chamber and called for new elections.

[emphasis realwest] does give one pause as to the hopes for democracy in Kuwait.

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 9:51:27am

re: #13 rwmofo

Not in Saudi Arabia.

What about Kuwait?

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 9:51:46am

re: #19 Soona'

If Blinky gets canned from being Speaker, maybe she has somewhere to go now.

I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 9:52:07am

re: #15 lostlakehiker

This is fine but it's not big. Kuwait, you see, is small. What's happening in Pakistan is not fine, but it's big. Pakistan, you see, is big.

The future will be shaped more by big events in big nations. Pakistan is not necessarily falling to the Taliban, but it's a grim day when that possibility even sits on the horizon.

Big happenings start with small steps.

Take your cynicism and negativity somewhere else today.

itellu3times Sun, May 17, 2009 9:52:13am

re: #22 MandyManners

What about Kuwait?

Well they're not even wearing burkas in the pic, how 'bout that?

Soona' Sun, May 17, 2009 9:52:26am

re: #23 MandyManners

I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy.

LOL!

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 9:52:29am

re: #15 lostlakehiker

This is fine but it's not big. Kuwait, you see, is small. What's happening in Pakistan is not fine, but it's big. Pakistan, you see, is big.

The future will be shaped more by big events in big nations. Pakistan is not necessarily falling to the Taliban, but it's a grim day when that possibility even sits on the horizon.

I disagree, anytime you have people moving in the right direction it is BIG.
But after gaining ground over the last few years , Kuwait's Sunni Islamists actually lost bigtime during the Saturday vote as their parliamentary bloc dropped from 24 to 16 seats, according to the Associated Press.

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 9:53:00am

re: #25 itellu3times

Well they're not even wearing burkas in the pic, how 'bout that?

Was it an all-female gathering?

realwest Sun, May 17, 2009 9:54:07am

Well y'all it's been grand as usual but I gotta go now!
Hope you all have a great day and that I get the chance to see you all down the road!

[deleted] Sun, May 17, 2009 9:55:02am

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 9:55:12am

re: #28 MandyManners

Was it an all-female gathering?

While hard to see there seems to be at least a few men in the background, so I would have to say no. One is even wearing what looks like a baseball cap.

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 9:55:56am

re: #28 MandyManners

Was it an all-female gathering?

From the first picture you can clearly see men in the background.

Killgore Trout Sun, May 17, 2009 9:56:00am

Good news!

notutopia Sun, May 17, 2009 9:56:17am

Progress!

Soona' Sun, May 17, 2009 9:56:29am

re: #28 MandyManners

Was it an all-female gathering?

If it was, why were they photographed. Tsh, tsh. All that uncovered meat.
//

realwest Sun, May 17, 2009 9:56:47am

re: #8 FurryOldGuyJeans

The Left loves to blame the US for all the ills of the world, will they give credit now that some progressive happening occurred?

I ain't holding my breath waiting.

Oh yeah, they'll give credit to ...............Obama!
Seriously outta here now!

Killgore Trout Sun, May 17, 2009 9:57:19am

Many Western analysts worry that hardline Islamists would dominate free and fair elections in many Middle East countries and then establish Islamic governments.
But after gaining ground over the last few years , Kuwait's Sunni Islamists actually lost bigtime during the Saturday vote as their parliamentary bloc dropped from 24 to 16 seats, according to the Associated Press.

Nice.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 9:58:03am

re: #36 realwest

Oh yeah, they'll give credit to ...............Obama!
Seriously outta here now!

I was thinking that as I made my comment, but I didn't want to show that much cynicism.

Henchman Ghazi-808 Sun, May 17, 2009 9:58:51am

Hope! Change!

rwmofo Sun, May 17, 2009 9:59:06am

re: #22 MandyManners

I don't know about Kuwait off the top of my head. This reminds me of a Saudi who was in one of my classes in grad school. An innocent young girl asked a question that illustrated her lack of knowledge of other countries' cultures and the professor replied by asking the guy, "Faisal, are women allowed to vote or drive a car in Saudi Arabia?" It wasn't what he said, "Oh no!" It's HOW he said it. You'd have gotten the same reaction if you asked him to only wear dresses going forward.

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 9:59:18am

re: #38 FurryOldGuyJeans

I was thinking that as I made my comment, but I didn't want to show that much cynicism.

The MFMSM will try but it will not work.

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 9:59:42am

re: #31 FurryOldGuyJeans

While hard to see there seems to be at least a few men in the background, so I would have to say no. One is even wearing what looks like a baseball cap.

re: #32 VegasRick

From the first picture you can clearly see men in the background.

Could be very slim women with short hair.

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 10:00:17am

re: #35 Soona'

If it was, why were they photographed. Tsh, tsh. All that uncovered meat.
//

I wonder what the Aussie cat-meat sheikh thinks.

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 10:00:49am

re: #39 BigPapa

Hope! Change!

I wonder if FCBBHO will try to take credit for this in some shape, form or fashion.

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 10:01:43am

re: #40 rwmofo

I don't know about Kuwait off the top of my head. This reminds me of a Saudi who was in one of my classes in grad school. An innocent young girl asked a question that illustrated her lack of knowledge of other countries' cultures and the professor replied by asking the guy, "Faisal, are women allowed to vote or drive a car in Saudi Arabia?" It wasn't what he said, "Oh no!" It's HOW he said it. You'd have gotten the same reaction if you asked him to only wear dresses going forward.

I cannot imagine the culture shock people from such societies feel when they come here.

Vicious Babushka Sun, May 17, 2009 10:01:54am

re: #42 MandyManners

Could be very slim UGLY women with short hair.

Bobblehead Sun, May 17, 2009 10:02:18am

Small steps, small steps. I have to believe this change started with the first Gulf war. It will take a long time to undo the hold Islam has on women.

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 10:02:26am

re: #44 MandyManners

I wonder if FCBBHO will try to take credit for this in some shape, form or fashion.

His Telepropter will tell him not to try.

Salamantis Sun, May 17, 2009 10:03:00am

re: #45 MandyManners

I cannot imagine the culture shock people from such societies feel when they come here.

The same kinda culture shock people from here feel when they go there, just in reverse.

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 10:03:11am

re: #46 Alouette

Could be very slim UGLY women with short hair.
And mustache's.

Soona' Sun, May 17, 2009 10:03:46am

re: #44 MandyManners

I wonder if FCBBHO will try to take credit for this in some shape, form or fashion.

He won't even mention it. The MFMSM will never ask him about it.

rwmofo Sun, May 17, 2009 10:04:28am

re: #25 itellu3times

Well they're not even wearing burkas in the pic, how 'bout that?

There's actually a mix. I'd like to have them tell us why some are covered and why the others aren't. The ones who aren't covered look younger.

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 10:05:07am

re: #52 rwmofo

There's actually a mix. I'd like to have them tell us why some are covered and why the others aren't. The ones who aren't covered look younger.

That's the point. Progress.

MacDuff Sun, May 17, 2009 10:05:15am

re: #15 lostlakehiker

This is fine but it's not big. Kuwait, you see, is small. What's happening in Pakistan is not fine, but it's big. Pakistan, you see, is big.

The future will be shaped more by big events in big nations. Pakistan is not necessarily falling to the Taliban, but it's a grim day when that possibility even sits on the horizon.

Considering our starting point, I would consider it very "big". No, it's not a panacea, but it is incremental change and it is a step forward. Will there be steps backward? Probably. But one must take one's victories where one can and build upon them.

Pakistan is a helluva mess and one that needs to be addressed, but let us take a moment to savor this one small step in the hope that the seed that has been planted will grow.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 10:05:33am

re: #44 MandyManners

I wonder if FCBBHO will try to take credit for this in some shape, form or fashion.

I think it won't be restricted to just O. Dems and Libs will try to claim credit, and might even possibly go so far as to say GHWB/GWB and all Rs were the major stumbling block to this not occurring before now.

Soona' Sun, May 17, 2009 10:05:39am

re: #52 rwmofo

There's actually a mix. I'd like to have them tell us why some are covered and why the others aren't. The ones who aren't covered look younger.

Oh, the shame! What's the younger generation coming to!

kansas Sun, May 17, 2009 10:05:43am

Obama's policies have worked after only 100 days. I am really surprised how wonderful this guy is. /

Killgore Trout Sun, May 17, 2009 10:06:33am

Good luck with this one.....
Top Pak clerics declare suicide attacks un-Islamic

An influential group of Pakistani scholars and religious leaders on Sunday declared suicide attacks and beheadings as un-Islamic and called on people to unite for a struggle against the militancy plaguing the country.

'Ulema' (clerics) and 'mushaikh' (spiritual leaders) of the Jamaat Ahl-e-Sunnah, who gathered here for a convention, declared suicide attacks and beheadings as un-Islamic in a unanimous resolution.

I'm guessing there's an exemption for Jews and infidels.

Henchman Ghazi-808 Sun, May 17, 2009 10:06:55am

re: #44 MandyManners

I wonder if FCBBHO will try to take credit for this in some shape, form or fashion.

Your average Army field cook from GW1 gets more credit for this than O. He should note it and comment, but give credit where it's due. OohRah!

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 10:07:15am

re: #54 MacDuff

Considering our starting point, I would consider it very "big". No, it's not a panacea, but it is incremental change and it is a step forward. Will there be steps backward? Probably. But one must take one's victories where one can and build upon them.

Pakistan is a helluva mess and one that needs to be addressed, but let us take a moment to savor this one small step in the hope that the seed that has been planted will grow.

And, let us think of those servicemembers from all nations who have given up their lives from GW1 until now.

Well done.

Salamantis Sun, May 17, 2009 10:07:40am

Someone oughtta call NOW and get their perspective on this. And then call Tammy Bruce and Phyllis Chesler and Irshad Manji and Ayan Hirsi Ali.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 10:07:58am

re: #25 itellu3times

Well they're not even wearing burkas in the pic, how 'bout that?

And what, pray tell, is that black shapeless lump in the center of the first picture that the uncovered women embracing?

MandyManners Sun, May 17, 2009 10:07:58am

re: #59 BigPapa

Your average Army field cook from GW1 gets more credit for this than O. He should note it and comment, but give credit where it's due. OohRah!

GMTA.

Soona' Sun, May 17, 2009 10:08:28am

re: #59 BigPapa

Your average Army field cook from GW1 gets more credit for this than O. He should note it and comment, but give credit where it's due. OohRah!

The cook is above the zero's pay-grade.

Henchman Ghazi-808 Sun, May 17, 2009 10:08:41am

re: #55 FurryOldGuyJeans

Cynic!

rwmofo Sun, May 17, 2009 10:08:53am

re: #56 Soona'

Oh, the shame! What's the younger generation coming to!

I'd be thrilled to have a Muslim female find the cure for cancer. Besides the obvious, it would be great to ram it down these guys' throats that had they allowed their women to go to school, millions of lives may have been saved years ago.

VegasRick Sun, May 17, 2009 10:09:30am

re: #64 Soona'

The cook is above the zero's pay-grade.

~~The cook~~ Most things are above the zero's pay-grade

MacDuff Sun, May 17, 2009 10:09:41am

re: #59 BigPapa

Your average Army field cook from GW1 gets more credit for this than O. He should note it and comment, but give credit where it's due. OohRah!

Alas, I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. It's all about "The O".

gymmom Sun, May 17, 2009 10:09:56am

re: #55 FurryOldGuyJeans

I think it won't be restricted to just O. Dems and Libs will try to claim credit, and might even possibly go so far as to say GHWB/GWB and all Rs were the major stumbling block to this not occurring before now.

Hopefully they are smart enough to realize they would have to claim some influence in the country as a whole and since the parliament could be dissolved next week or month, not a wise move.

Henchman Ghazi-808 Sun, May 17, 2009 10:10:22am

re: #47 Bobblehead

It will be a long road, but the journey has begun.

Salamantis Sun, May 17, 2009 10:11:36am

re: #54 MacDuff

Considering our starting point, I would consider it very "big". No, it's not a panacea, but it is incremental change and it is a step forward. Will there be steps backward? Probably. But one must take one's victories where one can and build upon them.

Pakistan is a helluva mess and one that needs to be addressed, but let us take a moment to savor this one small step in the hope that the seed that has been planted will grow.

Let us not forget that Kuwait just elected their first female legislators, while Pakistan has already elected a female President.

And cross our fingers and toes that the Paki army offensive in the tribal territories continues until final victory, so that legitimate concerns about fundamentalist backsliding will be eased.

FurryOldGuyJeans Sun, May 17, 2009 10:12:03am

re: #65 BigPapa

Cynic!

Yes, and I freely admit being one. Maybe we can put aside the cynicism for a bit regarding this Kuwaiti political earthquake.

Time now to party a bit to celebrate some real progress in the world.

MacDuff Sun, May 17, 2009 10:12:13am

re: #60 MandyManners

And, let us think of those servicemembers from all nations who have given up their lives from GW1 until now.

Well done.

Yes, Mandy, you couldn't be more correct. These men and women are truly a blessing for which we should always be thankful.

Mostly sane, most of the time. Sun, May 17, 2009 10:13:04am

The decision to wear a burqa, or a headscarf, or nothing, ought to be like a Western woman's decision to wear a cross, or Star David, or other religious emblem, or a certain minimum amount of clothing coverage; neither forbidden nor mandatory, but her decision.

Soona' Sun, May 17, 2009 10:13:20am

Gotta go do chores. Lawnmowing (finally dry), and vaccuming. Later!

Athos Sun, May 17, 2009 10:15:55am

re: #58 Killgore Trout

Good luck with this one.....
Top Pak clerics declare suicide attacks un-Islamic

I'm guessing there's an exemption for Jews and infidels.

The Taliban and AQ will only announce that their clerics are more faithful than those clerics and that their fatwas are the one's that count.....and then add those Pak clerics as legitimate targets of the 'faithful'.

[deleted] Sun, May 17, 2009 10:15:58am

Henchman Ghazi-808 Sun, May 17, 2009 10:16:10am

re: #72 FurryOldGuyJeans

Just teasing you FOG, took an easy swipe.

Despite the mass if negative things coming from the greater ME, we should note what a significant event this is. However small and seemingly inconsequential and tenuous, it seems a ME saying is warrented: 'the camel's nose is in the tent.'

debutaunt Sun, May 17, 2009 10:17:53am

re: #66 rwmofo

I'd be thrilled to have a Muslim female find the cure for cancer. Besides the obvious, it would be great to ram it down these guys' throats that had they allowed their women to go to school, millions of lives may have been saved years ago.

I'd also be thrilled if any Muslim went to school and realized that FGM is a horror that reflects on all Muslims.

debutaunt Sun, May 17, 2009 10:19:23am

re: #74 EmmmieG

The decision to wear a burqa, or a headscarf, or nothing, ought to be like a Western woman's decision to wear a cross, or Star David, or other religious emblem, or a certain minimum amount of clothing coverage; neither forbidden nor mandatory, but her decision.

I'd opt out immediately.

Haywood Jabloeme Sun, May 17, 2009 10:20:04am

Your posts re: the convergence / similarities between Christian Creationists / Id'ers and Conservative Muslim believers / teachers same is part of a larger theme - Christian Conservatives (some Catholics as well as most all "new wave" Evangelicals and Fundies) have other beliefs in common with Conservative Muslims as well. To name a few: Restrictions on the role women play in the structured leadership hierarchies of their religions – Catholics famously restrict women from the priesthood and thus, any real leadership roles. But what isn’t so widely know is that other religions, like the one Sarah Palin is a member of, Pentecostalism, also restricts a woman from being a preacher. I believe that it also explicitly prevents them from holding any formal leadership roles like Elders or Deacons. Most, if not all, Evangelical / Fundy Christian religions share this restriction.
There is a common theme here – all religions that prevent women from leadership roles, also oppose some rights that many women see as fundamental to a women’s rights, like freedom of choice. But as is widely known, Priests being able to marry and women priest are at least, a topic for discussion in the Catholic Church. I don’t believe this to issue is even seriously discussed in any Evangelical / Fundy Christian religion.
So, it is ironic that a women like Sarah Palin can run for a political office in the US but her own Church will not allow the same thing. It is also ironic that she can . as a leader, talk about abortion, in the political world but could not again, do so, in her own church.
As soon as Conservative women start talk about conservative social policy as part of the conservative / fundy leadership of their respective religions, I’ll listen.

Miss Molly Sun, May 17, 2009 10:21:27am

Well, from small things ..... Who knows how far and how fast this will go but it would be nice to think other muslim women are beginning to think they are more than just a piece of property.

MacDuff Sun, May 17, 2009 10:23:43am

re: #81 WinstonDodson

Uh. OK.

Achilles Tang Sun, May 17, 2009 10:27:54am

re: #9 MandyManners

Could they drive themselves to the polls?

I don't know if they were ever forbidden to drive in Kuwait. They have done so for at least 30 years to my knowledge. They are also not required to cover up like in Saudi (only Saudi has that), although there are plenty who do, probably because daddy beats them if they don't.

gymmom Sun, May 17, 2009 10:32:56am

re: #81 WinstonDodson

The Catholic Church's belief that only men are able to be priest is based on their interpretation of their holy text. And the abortion issue is seen as protecting an innocent life and if all the tenets of the church are truly followed, there would be no need for abortion. And, according to their website, Assembly of God allows both women and men to be ordained. Doesn't she go to Assembly of God?

hurricane567 Sun, May 17, 2009 10:35:22am

"Many Western analysts worry that hardline Islamists would dominate free and fair elections in many Middle East countries and then establish Islamic governments. "

American's GET S**T DONE, hardline Islamists don't, lets do it their way, huh?

Achilles Tang Sun, May 17, 2009 10:42:31am

re: #85 gymmom

The Catholic Church's belief that only men are able to be priest is based on their interpretation of their holy text.

Is that a justification or just an explanation of the obvious?

And the abortion issue is seen as protecting an innocent life and if all the tenets of the church are truly followed, there would be no need for abortion.

Whereas the mother is obviously sentient and not innocent, and therefore has no say?/

As to following the tenets of the church, they have had two thousand years to make that work. What do they call trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result each time? Quantum Mechanics?/

mauser Sun, May 17, 2009 10:58:04am

Unfortunately, their votes only count half as much.

nyc redneck Sun, May 17, 2009 11:01:51am

it is very encouraging to see several women in the photo w/out the burqua.
and 4 women getting elected to parliament is great news.
women gaining rights could be the best way to change islam from w/in.
i hope it takes hold.

Captain Cool Sun, May 17, 2009 12:06:47pm

Interesting news but what does it mean for us? Are Kuwaiti women less inclined to support Jihad against America and Israel? Everyone praises democracy but what good does it do in practice besides being more "fair"?

MacDuff Sun, May 17, 2009 12:31:34pm

Any movement toward a more liberalized society in the Middle East is good movement, no matter how small it is.

As far as democracy goes, it is a historical fact that democracies are not as belligerent as autocracies or monarchies; this is particularly true of capitalist democracies.

In terms of civilizational development, these people have hundreds of years to make up an change comes slowly. They should be congratulated on taking this step, no matter how small the step may be.

avspatti Sun, May 17, 2009 12:50:32pm

re: #22 MandyManners

What about Kuwait?

Kuwait is not NEARLY as rigid on all this as Saudi Arabia. Did you notice the photo had women without head coverings? I wonder who they are exactly. Anyone know?

I have students from the Gulf but not from Kuwait. Tomorrow, I'll ask them about this.

avspatti Sun, May 17, 2009 12:52:07pm

re: #21 realwest

I think this is truly a great start to ending the rule of misogynists and perhaps some day, equal rights for women and men in Kuwait.
However:

[emphasis realwest] does give one pause as to the hopes for democracy in Kuwait.

Baby steps. Baby steps.

wiffersnapper Sun, May 17, 2009 12:55:18pm

Change!

avspatti Sun, May 17, 2009 1:00:06pm

re: #62 FurryOldGuyJeans

And what, pray tell, is that black shapeless lump in the center of the first picture that the uncovered women embracing?

Probably one of the older women who perhaps won a seat? It will be difficult and uncomfortable for older women to give up their coverings, which is understandable as it is all they have ever known. BUT, the younger ones will lead the way. Very encouraging.

avspatti Sun, May 17, 2009 1:07:02pm

re: #81 WinstonDodson

That is not totally accurate in all those groups. No, women are not allowed to the be head pastor, but they do hold other positions under the leadership of the pastor, a man. For example, women can often be deacons when the deacon group is one of service to the congregation and the church. However, being in a decision-making role such as elders is not usually done. There are so many variations that it is difficult to make any blanket statement, imo.

stevedecatur Sun, May 17, 2009 1:14:12pm

Do Arab Muslims ever ask themselves why is it that Muslim women have more rights in Israel than Gaza or the West Bank?

Achilles Tang Sun, May 17, 2009 1:28:22pm

re: #97 stevedecatur

Do Arab Muslims ever ask themselves why is it that Muslim women have more rights in Israel than Gaza or the West Bank?

The men have all the rights they want. What's to ask?/

Haywood Jabloeme Sun, May 17, 2009 2:30:49pm

Ok - so yes, everyone that commented as to whether a particular Western Christian religion does or does not allow women in some roll or another makes my point. If, due to any reason, our religions restrict an individuals roll due only to their sex, they are similar to Muslim fundamentalists who also discriminate due to gender. And as I said, as far as I am concerned, any religion that does so has no right to speak to any issue the concerns women. Even if THEY believe that THEIR God has told them such through THEIR scriptures.

And then, the unbelievable naiveté inherent in the statement re: "individuals following the tenants of the church" is simply staggering. If there were a magic "Catholic switch" that any anytime could be thrown and we would all simply follow the tenants of the Catholic Church then the world would truly be a horrid place. Many if not most of the tenants of the modern Catholic church are to be admired and in general should be followed but there are a significant few that you backwards and are, as I alluded to, on the trajectory of "evolving". Male only priests are but one. If there was a "switch" that I spoke of before and the Catholic Church switched it on, we would be stuck with corrupt at despicable clergy like we had in the middle ages, we'd have e "pure" religion as that sought during the Inquisition etc.

But the simplicity of such a statement is the real danger - our best hope is that most people aren't that frivolous and realize that most Western Christian religions have changed and have much more to go before they even come close to "ideals". No matter YOUR , or the Pope's, interpretations of YOUR versions of YOUR scriptures you wish everyone followed.

100

tedzilla99 Sun, May 17, 2009 5:37:49pm

This is part of President George W. Bush's real and lasting legacy.

101

Haywood Jabloeme Sun, May 17, 2009 7:13:30pm

Do we ever ask ourselves why women in the US have more rights outside of most Christian religions than they do within?

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