Prior to invasion of Iraq, I argued that Saudi Arabia was an indirect target, as was the need to break the status quo in the Middle East.
Mistakes may have been made in the handling of post-invasion policy, but the long term success is almost guaranteed. I wish I had the time to post all the articles pointing out that when the entire world watched Iraqis vote, Tyrants around the world felt their sphincters pucker.
Of course, Bush couldn't have "sold" the war on those terms. I keep pointing out that he should have been able to.
__
Saudi Arabia bans forced marriage (BBC, 4/12/04)
Saudi Arabia's top religious authority has banned the practice of forcing women to marry against their will.
Grand mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh said forced marriage was against Islamic law and those responsible for it should be jailed.
A high number of forced marriages in Saudi Arabia is believed to be a factor in the country's steep divorce rate.
The ban is a significant victory for women's rights in Saudi Arabia, where females face a range of restrictions.
Comments