Saudi wins praise, ire as guardianship rules eased

Saudi Arabia's easing of travel restrictions on women was hailed in the kingdom Friday as a historic leap for gender equality, but it also drew anger from hardliners backing contentious male "guardianship" rules.The reform, which also covers civil rights such as allowing women to register childbirth, marriage or divorce, does not dismantle but diminishes the guardianship system that has long been a symbol of repression against women."The new regulations are history in the making," Princess Reema