Feb 26, 2018
Saudi women to be allowed to join military for first time
- Zachary Basu, author of Axios Sneak Peek
Saudi Arabia lifted a 35-year-old ban on cinemas last month, one of several progressive reforms the country has recently undergone. Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty Images.
Women in seven regions will be permitted to serve in the security division of the Saudi Arabian military for the first time, Al Arabiya reports.
Why it matters: They appear to be non-combat positions and applicants must pass a series of tests and meet prerequisites in order to be eligible. Nonetheless, this is yet another reform ushered in by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has pledged to return his country to "moderate Islam."