Saudi Arabia developing democracy?
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4252079.stm

Voters have gone to the polls in Saudi Arabia's first nationwide municipal election, as the kingdom's government aims to bring in elements of democracy.

The first phase was held in and around the capital, Riyadh, with later rounds to be staged elsewhere over two months.

Overall, 1,800 candidates are vying for 592 seats in 178 councils. In Riyadh, 650 are fighting for just seven seats.

They may have it right
 

Yes, they have it right and are not allowing women to vote.

Think where the USA would be if womens' votes had not put Clinton in office, and had not given the dem nominations to Kedwards.

Many women vote based on good looks and sexiness, and that's not good.

That's funny!

Re: They may have it right
 

and jackasses like you vote based on how sexist, racist and homophobic a "good Christian" candidate is

Re: They may have it right
 

please tell me this is a joke.

Re: Saudi Arabia developing democracy?
 

What a freaking joke.

One of the greatest barometers of a society is how it treats its women.

http://cia.gov/cia/publications/fact...sa.html#People states that the literacy rate for men is 84.7% while its 70.8% for women. There is also a disturbing trend in the sex ratio at different ages groups. At birth, the male:female ratio is 1.05:1. Under 15 years, its 1.04:1. 15-64, its 1.36:1. WTF? What's that all about. Over 65, its 1.18:1. Something funky is happening in the Saudi kingdom.

Re: Re: They may have it right
 

You just insulted jackasses everywhere with that comparison.

Think of the innocent.

http://tinypic.com/1p8mtw

Re: They may have it right
 

I'd like to see some sort of evidence backing up this statement.

I've had many female friends jokingly make comments such as, "Oh, I'd vote for so-and-so b/c he's very handsome." or whatever, but have yet to know of one who used that as the reasoning behind her vote.

Re: They may have it right
 

Ummm..... I was hopinhg to see some sort of marker indicating sarcaism...

But since I didn't I'll just have to assume you and PHAShriner/1906 share notes... :eek:

If the monarchy was removed in Saudi Arabia, would you have a democracy? I am willing to bet no. You would get a religious theocracy that pushes its will on the people.

The monarchy was even more Western until it came under constant attack and had terrorists occupy Mecca and then had to channel more money to the mosques and Wahabists.

-Rudey

As I understand the dynamics, only a small portion of the men in the city were able to vote for only a portion of the council seats.

Perhaps a small start, but a long way from democracy as we define it.