Forced Marriage Ban

Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti has banned forced marriage. That is a no-brainer for anyone who knows the basics of the Qur'an and Sunna, and it really says something about Saudi Arabia that a statement like this makes waves in 2005. As someone who studies Arab tribes, I also find it interesting that a tribal shaykh is needed to ensure the compliance of those who try to force women into marriages. The key question will be whether this measure will have teeth throughout the country.