Michelle Obama highlights harsh restrictions faced by Saudi women after meeting King Salman without wearing a headscarf

Michelle Obama highlighted the restrictions placed on women in Saudi Arabia as she paid her respects to the late King Abdullah without wearing a headscarf.

Her divisive decision not to cover her hair as she met King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud drew both criticism and praise across social media.

The move also illustrated the severe restraints placed on women living in the ultra-conservative Kingdom, who must cover their hair and wear loose black robes in public at all times. Most Saudi women wear full face veils known as niqabs.

In addition to this, women are banned from driving, must be accompanied by a male chaperone when they leave the house and are not allowed to vote – although voting rules will change in 2015.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/michelle-obama-highlights-harsh-restrictions-faced-by-saudi-women-after-meeting-king-salman-without-wearing-a-headscarf-10007528.html

Well done that girl.

except.......isnt SHE doing exactly what we accuse "them " of doing.....imposing "cultural" ideas...

IF what SHE did is ok then presumably the saudi king would be allowed to execute (say) one of his entourage ...whilst on American soil.....without any outcry??????

when in rome......and all that...

darknessss wrote:except.......isnt SHE doing exactly what we accuse "them " of doing.....imposing "cultural" ideas...

IF what SHE did is ok then presumably the saudi king would be allowed to execute (say) one of his entourage ...whilst on American soil.....without any outcry??????

when in rome......and all that...

I support what she has done... but you are correct.

it is a law and we would expect visiting dignitary to at least public obey our laws.
although I will point out we do have Diplomatic immunity clauses that would protect them from our laws in many cases. So I assume she is able to do this under a similar clause.

Let me also point out that she could have worn a damn bikini if she wanted to, because 'Murica!

I hear Barbara Bush went veil-less when she visited. Whatever the reason, two first ladies have gotten away with it.

Original Quill wrote:I hear Barbara Bush went veil-less when she visited.  Whatever the reason, two first ladies have gotten away with it.

She did indeed Quill. I'm just pleased that they gave these people more or less a two-fingered salute for their attitudes to women.