Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 25, 2008 7:38:35 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

US-Backed Militias Curb Iraqi Women's Rights

Posted Apr 6, 08 1:43 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Women's rights in Iraq are devolving under the rule of US-backed militias, Newsweek reports. These Sahwa or "Awakening" groups have stabilized regions, but rule with medieval laws and customs: In some areas, women are commonly kept at home, forced to wear headscarves, or are married into polygamous relationships, Newsweek reports.

Some women still battle for their rights, campaigning against "honor killings," but others say Sahwa have torn society's fabric. "They have their own personal fiefdoms, and they answer to no one," said one women's rights expert. "The tribal groups may not be directly affiliated with al-Qaeda, but they're no less conservative."

Source Newsweek

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Iraq Insurgents Gain Deadly New Weapon

    Jul 10, 08 9:18 AM CDT
    Iraq Insurgents Gain Deadly New Weapon Shiite insurgents in Iraq have been attacking US forces with a new weapon the military fears could kill dozens of troops at a time, reports the Washington Post. Rocket-propelled bombs, made of propane tanks packed with hundreds of pounds of explosives, have killed at least 21 people this year, including three US troops—and are being used with increasing frequency. More »

  • US Builds Giant Wall in Sadr City

    Apr 18, 08 6:26 AM CDT
    US Builds Giant Wall in Sadr City American forces have begun construction of an enormous concrete wall that will partition Sadr City, one of Baghdad's most dangerous neighborhood. The structure is intended to make the southern section of Sadr City, a Shiite stronghold that borders the Green Zone, into a protected enclave, reports the New York Times. Walls in other parts of Baghdad have succeeded in blunting insurgent attacks, despite residents' fears of isolation. More »

  • Iran Is Now a Bigger Threat in Iraq Than al-Qaeda: US Officials

    Apr 12, 08 3:06 PM CDT
    Iran Is Now a Bigger Threat in Iraq Than al-Qaeda: US Officials Recent battles in Basra prove that Iran is crippling Iraqi stability while al-Qaeda's influence there wanes, US officials say. David Petraeus pointed to Iran's influence in testimony this week, and now Shiite militias are said to have benefited from Iranian weapons, training, and guidance in Basra fighting—prompting a Washington probe of Iran's impact, the Washington Post reports. More »

  • Baghdad Blast Kills 5 US Troops

    Mar 10, 08 1:55 PM CDT
    Baghdad Blast Kills 5 US Troops Five American troops are dead after a suicide bomber struck today in the Mansour district of Baghdad, the BBC reports. The soldiers were patrolling a busy shopping center when a young man wearing an explosive vest engaged them in conversation shortly before detonating, said a military spokesman. Three other service members and an Iraqi interpreter were wounded in the blast. More »

  • Diary of a Bitter al-Qaeda Leader

    Feb 10, 08 12:49 PM CST
    Diary of a Bitter al-Qaeda Leader Al-Qaeda’s once indomitable force in Iraq is suffering from diminished ranks and low resources: That’s the word not from US generals but from one of the insurgent group’s leaders. In a bitter 16-page diary, Abu Tariq blasts former members who deserted al-Qaeda to join American forces. “We were mistreated, cheated, and betrayed by some of our brothers,” the emir wrote. More »

A member of the Concerned Local Citizens Group stands guard over a man suspected of weapons trafficking during a joint patrol with U.S. and Iraqi troops Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
More Iraqi women are taking to wearing full head scarves under pressure by local militia charged with keeping the peace.   (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
A member of the Concerned Local Citizens Group, right, talks to a woman during a joint patrol with soldiers in Baghdad, Iraq on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007.   (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 5)

Tags

Iraq  • Baghdad  • insurgents  • women's rights  • Awakening Councils  • burka


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »