When King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree earlier this month naming 30 women to the consultative Shura Council, his decision was widely welcomed inside and outside the country. Local columnist Mshari al-Zaydi described it as “an exceptional royal decree,” adding that “Saudi Arabia is entering a new era in terms of its political and social culture.” The European Union welcomed the announcement, saying it represents “a major development in the direction of women empowerment,” according to a statement by European Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali.
This was a big step for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that practices a strict interpretation of Islam, even as the Shura Council remains an unelected advisory body with limited powers.
