In the 1980s Bourguiba made efforts to combat both poverty and a rising Islamist opposition, spearheaded by the Nahda party.

But he has not yet said whether he will endorse the plan on women, which would open a direct confrontation with the Islamist opposition.

The paper is as broadly sympathetic to the Shia Islamist opposition, particularly Ali Salman.

The different strands of Islamist opposition came together in the war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

Hamad responded by holding a highly publicized meeting with the spiritual leaders of the Shia Islamist opposition.

The next year, the Islamist opposition hardened further.

The area was defended by 10,000 Ismaili militiamen, increasing to 18,000 by 1992, who sided with the Soviets due to differences with the Islamist opposition.

Officials who know Prince Abdullah expect him to agree to a request for a dialogue with the Islamist opposition.

Such rulers can be very strong and can bring stability, but we also know that their rule (or reign) promotes Islamist opposition, with its often violent overtones.

Arab countries are stuck between autocratic governments and Islamist opposition, he says, and "our invasion of Iraq isn't going to remove those political forces.