Under the completely repressive rule of the Saudi monarchy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only beginning to talk about a woman’s right to drive. Only recently, women won the right to own businesses and travel without a male companion.
The Saudi royal family is a key regional ally of U.S. imperialism. The U.S. government and media hardly ever highlight the lack of women’s rights when it comes to U.S. allies. On the other hand, they readily demonize U.S. targets for repression of women.
Although the status of Iraqi women was used as an argument for U.S. intervention, Iraqi women, prior to U.S. occupation, enjoyed more rights, and were among the most highly educated and professional women in the Middle East.
During the early years of the secular Baathist regime, women’s rights were enshrined in law, guarantying the right to vote and run for political office, equal pay and benefits, generous maternity leaves and free higher education, among others.
Sixteen years of relentless U.S. bombing, debilitating economic sanctions and occupation has led to a dramatic decline in the conditions of Iraqi women.
