Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

US-Backed Militias Curb Iraqi Women's Rights

'Sahwa' stabilize areas but rule with medieval customs

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2008 1:43 PM CDT

(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."

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.
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)
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.
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)
More Iraqi women are taking to wearing full head scarves under pressure by local militia charged with keeping the peace.
More Iraqi women are taking to wearing full head scarves under pressure by local militia charged with keeping the peace.   (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Car Bomb Kills 37 at Baghdad Funeral

Uniformed Men Execute 24 Sunnis in Baghdad

Bombers Hit Baghdad as Early Voting Starts

13 Assassinated Outside Baghdad

Baghdad Gunmen Kill 8, Grab $7M in Bank Heist


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne