So, there is this push in Saudi Arabia to do away with the stone-age rule of women not being allowed to drive on their own. BBC News presents four viewpoints from a cross-section of Saudi society. Three of them present pretty valid point of views. Now, read what Ibrahim Hussain, an immigrant from India has to say on the issue (emphasis mine):
I am from India, but I have been living in Saudi Arabia for 20 years.
I am married and I have daughters. We don’t have a driver – I drive them about myself. This works fine and the women in my family do not want to drive.
Women should not be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. If this happens, there will be more crime, accidents and disorder.
There will be more accidents because of the increase in traffic. However, the government is preparing for more traffic by building new roads and new overhead bridges.
If Saudi Arabia allows women to drive, there will have to be more law-enforcement officers in and around the cities.
There would also have to be more night patrols throughout the kingdom. There would also have to be women-only garages and service centres.
It will mean more social problems in the future.
Maybe a few women do want to drive, but this is not really a big issue.
In the interests of safety and security – I don’t want women driving in Saudi Arabia. [BBC News]
I am speechless.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
wouldn’t that be more like a “WTF moment”
Yes, indeed. However, I am trying to cut down cuss words during Ramadan, so let go this one.
I am really surprised that people read this blog.
You can’t be *really* surprised that people read your blog? After all, why do you blog anyway
? Maybe you mean you’re pleasantly surprised!
I read about the Saudi women driving debate earlier this week (http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=101256 )and my first reaction was, “God, it’s about time!!” How disappointing to know that the ban has stayed in place.
When I lived in Saudi (many many years ago) it didn’t bother me much that we couldn’t drive. After all, my mum didn’t know how to drive and I was too young. The implication of ladies not driving was that we would always go out as a family when Dad came home after work.
Now however, after several years in India and Europe, I would find it very difficult to go and live there because of the driving ban. I enjoy the independence of being able to go out of the house when I need to, without depending on hubby.
That ban won’t stay forever. Some day, it will go. I just hope that there isn’t too much bitterness or polarization over the issue before the authorities finally decide to lift the ban.
MJ:
Okay, pleasantly surprised.
You have raised an interesting point about polarization. I am also wary of the liberals who would rather want to impose alien mores on the Saudi society than actually allow for the change to come from within.
never heard of this before… really funny… totally wtf moment…
Assalaam’aaleykum!
One man’s view is always a personal thing and do not represent the entire community. I believe the title of post includes you and me as well. You better think twice before coming up with the title next time.:) No offense intended.
With love
Zaid Khan