Syria’s al-Assad Moves Against ‘Honor Killings’
03 July 2009 12:19 pm by Taylor Marsh
On this Independence Day weekend, we here at TM.com acknowledge the decree of President Bashar al-Assad as a small step forward for women in the Middle East.
Syria has scrapped a law limiting the length of sentences handed down to men convicted of killing female relatives they suspect of having illicit sex.
Women’s groups had long demanded that Article 548 be scrapped, arguing it decriminalised “honour” killings.
Much more is required, starting with a ban and severe punishment for “honor killings,” but we have to start somewhere. Acknowledging movement serves a greater purpose. Women of the world are watching.
The subject also gives me another reason to tout the video of a film about an Iranian woman who represents inconvenient wives who, in some parts of the world, have no independence at all.
As for al-Assad’s invitation to Obama to visit Syria, I would like to see the first shuttle move made by Secretary Clinton. She could acknowledge al-Assad’s decree, while paving the way for a larger dialogue. Long past time we engaged the Syrians.
