Saudi women’s hopes quashed

“The state has no will or intention to allow women to drive in Saudi Arabia,” said Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdel Aziz. He also told the Al-Iqtissadiya newspaper that the issue was not even under review. A speech last month by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz, who isrunning the Gulf state due to the ailing health of King Fadh, was seen as a harbinger of change. “We are not going to allow anyone to scorn women or put aside their effective role in the service of their religion and nation,” he had said. Fayziyah Abu Khaled, auniversity professor said the announcement was a significant milestone. “It’s the first time that a top official refers clearly to the issue of women,” she said. Prince Nayef, however, stressed that no dramatic development was in the offing and said his half-brother’s remarks were “clear and do not give rise to any kind of interpretation”.