WALTERS: A flash point for Westerners is that Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world in which women are not allowed to drive. It seems to be symbolic of women's lack of independence. Would you support allowing a woman to drive?
KING ABDULLAH: I believe strongly in the rights of women ... my mother is a woman, my sister is a woman, my daughter is a woman, my wife is a woman. I believe the day will come when women drive. In fact, if you look at the areas in Saudi Arabia, the deserts and in the rural areas, you will find that women do drive. The issue will require patience. In time, I believe it will be possible.
WALTERS: You cannot just make a decree that women drive? You're the king!
KING ABDULLAH: I value and take care of my people as I would my eye.
WALTERS: Is that an answer?
KING ABDULLAH: Yes. I respect my people. It is impossible that I would do anything that is not acceptable to my people.
WALTERS: But there are so many restrictions against women. Do you see this changing?
KING ABDULLAH: Yes, I believe we can. But it will require a little bit of time ... Our people are just now beginning to open up to the world, and I believe that with the passing of days in the future everything is possible.
WALTERS: Saudi Arabia is the only Arab country in which women do not have the right to vote. Do you foresee that they will be able to vote perhaps in your next municipal elections?
KING ABDULLAH: Our people are just now beginning to open up to the world, and I believe that with the passing of days, in the future, everything is possible.
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:41 AM ----------
This is an Interview he had
this shows that the masses' attitude and also religious guys who are powerful is not ready to accept changes in SA right now, the king know it and he wants to be patient. this is good approach, dont do a rush solution.