Syria has reversed a decision that bans teachers and schoolgirls from wearing the Islamic veil.
The move, reaching out to conservative Muslims, has come about in the wake of pro-democracy demonstrations.
After closing country’s only casino Wednesday, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad has reversed his previous ban which banned the niqab, the full Islamic face veil that reveals only a woman’s eyes.
Hundreds of primary school teachers who had continued to wear the niqab, defying the government edict, were transferred from the schools to administrative jobs.
The move, which angered many conservative Muslims, will now be turned around to allow teachers to return to their jobs.