Fear and Loathing in Saudi Arabia
In September a 34 year-old Saudi woman named Shaima Jastaniya was arrested and given the sentence of 10 lashes – for driving a car.
What would Hunter S. Thompson and Dr. Gonzo say to that?
Would they be so quick to condemn Saudi drivers?
Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world where women cannot drive a car. Ruled by Sunni Islam customs, this society is based on male guardianship – every woman must have a male guardian to do anything – father, brother, husband, son must give his consent.
Fortunately, the 87 year-old King Abdullah overturned the young woman’s sentence but the law has not changed. Despite international criticism and Saudi women drivers taking to the street this summer, the all-male Shura Council who advises the Monarch, maintains that women driving would lead to the erosion of traditional values.
Other reasons quoted include; a woman would have to uncover her face, she could meet a man, she would be out of the home more and the streets would be overcrowded for young men who have the right to drive.
In a report sent by a Saudi professor to the Shura Council, UK Outlets such as the Telegraph and Daily Times reported the findings – “female drivers would cause a steep decline in morality and provoke a surge in prostitution, pornography, homosexuality and divorce.”
Now we have Hunter’s attention.
By Boky and Blake