"UN Women" Board Includes Saudi Arabia, But Iran Ejected

Poverty Matters Blog (The Guardian): Why has Iran been kicked off the board of the UN's new agency for women?, by Sarah Boseley:

Setting up a new UN agency is a fraught business. UN Women, designed to fight for the rights of women in the developing world in a way previous UN agencies did not manage, is no different. Following hard political lobbying from the US and human rights groups, Iran has been ejected from the board. . . .

It is interesting, however, that Iran – one of the west's least favourite nations – should be pushed out while Saudi Arabia – not known for its strong stance on equality – has a place. So do Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. . . .