A historic first in Saudi Arabia --- women will be allowed to vote.<br/> King Abdullah made the announcement on Sunday.<br/> SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) KING ABDULLAH OF SAUDI ARABIA, SAYING:<br/> "we refuse to marginalise the role of women in every aspect of Saudi society within religious boundaries."<br/> They will also be allowed to run for office --- a significant change for a country where women have almost no role in public life.<br/> They aren't permitted to drive and must have written approval from their husbands or male relatives to undergo certain medical procedures.<br/> The king has been pushing for change but has been careful not to anger conservative clerics.<br/> Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
