Iran Lifts Ban Barring Women From Attending Sporting Events

New York Times: "Women can attend games in Iran's stadiums for the first time in nearly three decades, after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unexpectedly lifted a ban last week on their presence in the stands.

I respect him for this move,' said Siamak Namazi, a political analyst at Atieh Bahar Consulting. 'It was a gutsy move because he can lose some of his conservative supporters who voted for him,' he added.

Advocates of greater rights for women welcomed his decision, although they acknowledged that the move was also a way to increase his popularity among women at a time when he needs to bolster his support inside the country."