Saudis pressured to grant women rights

Article published in Middle East Times on Feb. 7, 2008

Federica Narancio

The U.N. and human rights organizations are voicing concern over the lack of progress in women’s rights in Saudi Arabia as mounting pressure on the kingdom fails to stem violence against women. 

Some rights activists believe that international exposure of abuses against women would be the most effective way to coerce Riyadh into introducing changes. Others caution that such international scrutiny could backfire and that deeply-rooted traditions within Saudi society need to be weighed when introducing progressive reforms.

Professor of Middle Eastern issues at the American University Kristin Diwan said the ultra-conservative kingdom, in which the strict Wahabi school of Islam is practiced, “is one of the least favorable [of Islamic countries] to women’s rights.”

To read the whole story:

http://www.metimes.com/International/2008/02/07/saudis_pressured_to_grant_women_rights/9955/

Tunisia’s Ben Ali promises more democracy

Article published in Middle East Times on Dec. 5, 2007

Federica Narancio

Tunisia’s President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali announced a series of measures to promote democracy and human rights in the country. Experts who follow political and social developments in the country said the Tunisian president has made such promises in the past. 

Indeed, Tunisia is considered one of the more progressive Arab countries – Tunis has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign policy. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society. The Tunisians were among the first in the Arab world to grant women their rights in a manner still unmatched by many other countries.

Yet despite all the positive aspects it has going, the president continues to lead the country toward an authoritarian and politically oppressive regime, say the experts.

To read the whole story:

http://www.metimes.com/Politics/2007/12/05/tunisias_ben_ali_promises_more_democracy/8363/