#SAUDIARABIA: King Issues Ruling Allowing Women To Drive By Next Summer

[world politics news]

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has issued a decree allowing women to drive for the first time. Government ministries are to prepare reports within 30 days and the order will be implemented by June 2018. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world to forbid women from driving.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SAUDIARABIA: Gov't Tilting Towards India After Pakistan Snub Of Saudi War In Yemen

[world politics news]

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud gave Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a very warm welcome last weekend in a public tilt of Saudi policy toward New Delhi and away from its traditional ally Pakistan. Economic interests are part of the tilt, but so too is Saudi pique at Pakistan's refusal to back its military adventure in Yemen.

#SAUDIARABIA: Prince Says Nephews Of King Salman Calling For King's Ouster

[world politics news]

A member of the Saudi royal family - a grandson of the dynasty's founder - has called for King Salman to be replaced in a letter recently released to the press. Falling oil prices, war in Yemen and loss of faith in the king has led to "disquiet" among the royal family.

#SAUDIARABIA: King Salman Orders US$30 million In Spending, 2-month Bonus for Civil Servants, Removes 2 Govs.

[world politics news]

In moves seen as attempts to consolidate his power and reassure subjects of a smooth transition, newly elevated King Salman ordered $30 million in new spending, which included generous 2-month salary bonuses for civil servants. He also replaced two of the former king's sons as governors and reshuffled the cabinet.