News
Aghanistan Legalizes Marital Rape--March, 2009
No, I am not exaggerating. A new law in Afghanistan states that a woman, unless ill, must "give a positive response to the sexual desires of her husband.” On March 26, the United Nations Development Fund for Women stated that the law "legalizes the rape of a wife by her husband." The law also states that women must give a "legitimate" reason for leaving the 
house, forbids women from working or getting an education unless her husband gives permission, and heavily discriminates against women in matters of divorce and the custody of their children.
It gets worse. On April 15, a brave group of 300 Afghan women marched through Kabul protesting the law. They were met not just with insults and calls of "whores!", but were stoned, spat on, and chased. Not only are the women of Afghanistan now subject to legalized rape, they cannot protest 
the injustice without risking their safety. The United States supported and helped Afghan President Hamid Karzai gain power after the fall of the Taliban. Now, Karzai is allowing rape to be legalized in his country. What responsibility does the U.S., if any, have to protect the women of Afghanistan? What measures should be taken to get rid of this law and prevent other ones like it from springing up around the world?
Email your comments to barbarasangels@gmail.com
These articles discuss the law:
Women, Extremism and Two Key States, The New York Times
Karzai Vows to Review Family Law, The New York Times
Afghanistan: Critics Speak Out on 'Rape Law', The New York Times
Three Cheers For Afghan Women, The New York Times
Afghan Law That Legalizes Rape Poses Problem For Obama and Clinton, Fox News
Legalized Rape In Afghanistan, The Boston Globe
This Is Called Abuse, Ladies--March, 2009
A New York Times article this Wednesday uncovered a disgusting reaction to the violent incident involving Chris Brown and Rihanna. Apparent
ly, many young girls and teens aren not only hesitating to stand up for Rihanna, they are encouraging, rooting, and defending Chris Brown! For those of you unfamiliar with the incident, Chris Brown has been charged with beating Rihanna, who he was in a relationship with. You might think teenage girls are simply unaware of the violence that took place, or hesitant to believe Rihanna, but that is not the case. The article interviews several girls who said Rihanna "probably made him mad to react like that." All the girls agreed Chris Brown should go unpunished.
With this surprising reaction from my generation, I have to question the way these girls would react had they been in the situation. What Chris Brown did is domestic violence, ladies. Domestic violence does not go unpunished. What on earth made these girls defend C.B.? Also, what kind of an example is Rihanna showing by forgiving and forgetting?
Email your thoughts to barbarasangels@gmail.com.
This article discusses the incident:
Teenage Girls Stand By Their Man, The New York Times
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