Sacrificing Sakineh: Western Intervention and Iranian Politics

Last updated on: January 10, 2011 at 12:00 am By eren

Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani is now a high-profile human rights case around the world. The chronology of Ashtiani’s case has been reported by a number of sources, but here’s the basic story: in 2006, Ashtiani was accused of having an illicit relationship with two men after the death of her husband. However, the confession presented by the Iranian authorities as evidence has been reported to have been obtained under torture. Ashtiani was sentenced to 99 lashes, but no details about the... Read more

Friday Links | December 31, 2010

Last updated on: December 31, 2010 at 12:00 am By fatemeh

It’s the final Friday Links of 2010! AOL News examines the best (and only) little sex shop in Bahrain. A female suicide bomber killed 45 people in Pakistan. May Allah give the victims peace and justice. The Washington Post highlights the work Rubina Sandhi does to fight radicalization in India. The New York Times looks at how Muslim women are making gains in the U.S. msn hack web hack counter strike sxe An Iraqi man murdered his daughter to prevent... Read more

Burqa Woman Blunder? Saad Haroon’s Parody

Last updated on: December 30, 2010 at 12:00 am By merium

Parts of the blogosphere appear to be in a tizzy over a recent parody of Roy Orbison’s classic “Oh, Pretty Woman.” Now a hit on YouTube, Saad Haroon’s “Burqa Woman,” tells the story of a young man’s fumbling attempt to woo a woman in abaya and niqab, who, after much cajoling, reciprocates amorously via text message. Modern technology appears to connect the two lovers in a country where public displays of affection and mixed social gatherings are generally frowned upon.... Read more

Learning from Las Tapadas of Yesterday

Last updated on: December 29, 2010 at 12:00 am By eren

Western writers have always had a fascination for veiled women. Read any explorers’ diaries on their experiences with “exotic” women who cover their hair and their face. But few people realize the parallels between the exotic veiled women of yesteryear and the veiled Muslim women of today. An interesting example of this is found in what is know as “las tapadas Limeñas.” Literally meaning “the covered girls from Lima,” las tapadas Limeñas walked through the streets of Lima on the... Read more

Switzerland’s Latest Referendum: No Uglies Allowed

Last updated on: December 28, 2010 at 12:00 am By nicole

On November 28th, the Swiss voted in one of their many referendums. The topic of this referendum was the deportation of criminal foreigners. This seems innocent enough, but the Swiss, at least for one local party, found a way to give it an anti-female anti-Islam twist. Sadly, this initiative, spearheaded (as usual) by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC in French) passed at almost 53%, albeit with a low participation rate by Swiss standards. Known for its colorful campaign posters with... Read more

Afshan Azad’s Courtroom Drama

Last updated on: December 27, 2010 at 12:00 am By Sara Yasin

Back in July, I wrote about Afshan Azad’s abuse by her father and brother. When they threatened to kill her for having a Hindu boyfriend, she fled to London; her father and brother were questioned and charged by police. Though Azad attempted to drop the charges, her brother and father were tried in court last week. She did not show up to court to testify against them. Coverage around Azad’s court case is particularly sensationalized because of her work with... Read more

A Special Announcement from MMW & WVN

Last updated on: December 24, 2010 at 12:00 am By fatemeh

We are very excited to announce that Muslimah Media Watch is a proud sponsor of the Women’s Voices Now film festival! We’ve been profiling submissions to the film festival all week; you can see all submissions at the WVN website. The short film festival will be held in Los Angeles on March 17-19, 2011. Currently, WVN is attempting to raise money to bring all the filmmakers to the festival: you can learn more and donate here. Your donations can help... Read more

Women’s Voices Now: I Accept I Accept I Accept

Last updated on: December 23, 2010 at 12:00 am By fatemeh

Today’s film “captures the true essence of the protagonist’s feelings getting into an arrange marriage.” It was submitted by Sanaa Iftikar in Pakistan. What do you think, readers? You can watch the rest of the submissions at the Women’s Voices Now website. Read more

Women’s Voices Now: Nour

Last updated on: December 22, 2010 at 12:00 am By fatemeh

“Nour” is a real-life interview with, Eman, a woman who is living with HIV/AIDS told through a fictional reenactment. What do you think, readers? Check out the rest of the submissions at the Women’s Voices Now website. Read more

Women’s Voices Now: Saturday Mothers of Turkey

Last updated on: December 21, 2010 at 12:00 am By fatemeh

“Saturday Mothers of Turkey” is a short documentary that highlights women in Turkey who are protesting the disappearance of Kurdish detainees. What do you think, readers? Check out the rest of the submissions at the Women’s Voices Now website. Read more