The Double Threat to Women in Iraq

[wivabef]

I'm still pondering this piece. But it brings up some interesting points about the role of feminists in this decidedly masculine, patriarchal conflict.

Aware of the reality of racism and in an effort to befriend the oppressed, a "Muslim perspective" on just about anything is sought by progressive forces in the West, from playwrights to academics or (often self appointed) community leaders. Conservative voices, it seems, are seen as the most authentic. Liberal ones, somehow, lack the sweet perfume of exoticism. Hence, dangerously rigid standpoints are offered as the "true" expression of all Muslims. Space for dissent becomes monopolized by fundamentalists, at the expense of secular, feminist, and pro-democracy advocates.

Three recent examples highlight this point. In Ontario, Canada, so-called "moderate" fundamentalist groups lobbied to introduce Shari'a (the interpretation of Muslim jurisprudence that in some countries has condoned penalties like whipping, amputation and stoning to death) so that the "Muslim community" can resolve family conflicts without interference.(13) There are similar pressures in Manitoba and Quebec, as well as in Europe and Australia. Despite the fact that laws framed with reference to religion have proven to be extremely detrimental to women's rights in numerous contexts, the "multicultural" argument leads many on the left to blindly support an oppressive agenda.

In a less naïve and more strategic move, the U.K. Labor government, as it introduced its new Equality Bill in February 2005, decided to prioritize discrimination on the basis of religion and disregard discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation - for fear that "Muslims might feel offended if they were 'lumped together' with homosexuals."(14) One can only wonder how British gays and lesbians from the Muslim community will appreciate the sacrifice of sexual rights on the altar of religious freedom.

Finally, the last European Social Forum (ESF), held in London in October 2004, was - in the tradition of the larger World Social Fora - meant to bring together large numbers of activists committed to debate issues such as "imperialist globalization, religious sectarianism, identity politics and fundamentalism." Sadly, ESF organizers took pride in inviting a number of extremist Muslim leaders. At the same time, they actively discouraged more progressive initiatives - such as a proposed panel including speakers from various feminist groups and international networks (WLUML, WIB, Women Against Fundamentalism, Catholics For a Free Choice and Act Together). While the Muslim Council of Britain and other similar endeavors could boast access to all available facilities in the several panels they organized, the feminist panel's request to obtain translation facilities was turned down. One wonders whether it was because the feminists' focus on "unholy alliances" between the left and Muslim extreme-right forces was deemed too threatening.

[hymie[$]]

Liberals are today's capitalists, happily giving their enemies rope with which they will be hung. If only conservatives weren't so evil and stupid, think of the progress we could have made with a Republican government. The wasted opportunities are nauseating.