The Right to Drive

Generally speaking, I hate cars. I prefer walking and public transportation and, thankfully, I live in a city where a car is not needed. But cars are essential for a lot of people and this Friday, June 17th, women from Saudi Arabia are staging a mass demonstration to demand the right to drive.There is nothing in the Quran that prohibits women from driving. In fact, one of the Prophet Muhammad's wives led an army on camelback. Saudi Arabia is the only country that prohibits women from driving. Even the Taliban permits it.This demonstration is taking place within a larger context of inspirational upheaval across the Arab world and I'm glad to see women's rights taking center stage amidst the general call for greater freedom and democratic accountability. But let's not forget that Saudi Arabia is an American ally. The US has never, through diplomacy, sanctions, or, as far as I know, any overt gestures, put any pressure on the Saudi Monarchy to recognize the universal human rights of its female citizens. I doubt that this driving demonstration will change that.What might change that, however, is if thousands upon thousands of American citizens registered their support for the women of Saudi Arabia by wishing them well and posting words of encouragement and solidarity at these various Facebook pages. Foreign policy is complex and often places us into uncomfortable alliances with unsavory regimes. But when enough citizens demand that our leadership move to the right side of history, perhaps those alliances can be used for good.Show your support for these brave women by liking, tweeting (#Women2Drive), blogging, and generally voicing your opinion. And keep your eyes and ears open on Friday, June 17th, for news of this historic protest.