http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_modern_Africa http://www.aina.org/news/2006100394917.htm http://www.danielpipes.org/comments/36025 There are other sources but I am sure you are proficient enough with google to look for yourself. Yes there is a huge problem in all Arab countries but are you really surprised? They are backwards people. Just look at everything that goes on in Arabic countries and you will get a better idea. most of them are still living in the 17th century. If you are truly concerned about equality, you should check out what is going on in the Deep South where terrible bigotry still exists. The only difference between now and the "slave years" is it is now illegal, but the treatment remains the same in many places.
What is legal? No law against it, or the government knows what's going on and refuses to do anything about it. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88102060