To the Point
Revolution and Women's Rights in the Arab World
Despite their role in overthrowing repressive dictators, women face a continuing struggle to maintain their rights. Also, jobs numbers and 2012, and three Pakistani heroes aren't "cricket" any more
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenIn Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, repressive dictators have been overthrown by the efforts of many women, as well as men. But conservative forms of Islam are still deeply influential in all those countries, and continuing struggles may be needed to maintain — much less increase — women's rights. Also, jobs numbers make the road to re-election steeper, and three national heroes aren't "cricket" any more in Pakistan.
Banner image: A Libyan Muslim woman holds a pistol while shouting slogans against Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi after a mass Friday noon prayer at Revolution Square in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi on May 20, 2011. Photo by Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesJobs Numbers Make Obama's Road to Re-election Steeper
The Labor Department said today the economy added just 80,000 jobs in October, and unemployment is stuck at nine percent. That's more bad news for a president with only a year left until he stands for reelection. But, as the G-20 Summit came to an end, President Obama gave it a positive spin.
Read the story8 minRevolution and Women's Rights in the Arab World
Arab women have been a big factor in the Arab spring, as one Egyptian put it to the Economist magazine, " throwing stones, moving dead bodies ." But, even where repressive regimes have been overthrown, the outcome may not be an increase in women's rights, partly because of the rising influence of conservative Islam.
Read the story37 minJailing of Pakistani Cricketers Brings Shame to Pakistan
If Shaquille O'Neal went to jail for fixing a basketball game, it would make headlines in the US. In Pakistan, the conviction of three star players for cheating at cricket has created a sense of national shame.
Read the story6 min
