The first two women in the world under
Islam
The prime minister
of Pakistan
The bus driver in Iran
Who is leading the way for women?
05 Nov, 2007
A couple of weeks ago I saw two short films, one news report, the
other a documentary. They have apparently no relevance to each
other. But for me they exposed latent truths about the so-called
“Moslem world.”
The first one was about the return of Binazir Bhutto to Pakistan.
She is the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who was introduced
both by the reporter and herself as the first Moslem leader of a
“Moslem country.” The international media tried hard to turn this
into an important piece of news. We were even shown live the landing
of the airplane which took her and her entourage from Dubai into
Karachi. We were made to feel emotional by her broken voice talking
about her beloved country. The first Moslem woman leader who was
elected and toppled twice, tried for embezzlement and money
laundering. By the words of the same reporter, in exile, in Dubai
she has made millions of dollars, amassed in international banks.
She has made a deal with President Musharraf, to help him, as an
ousted opposition leader, out of the political crisis he is in, in
return for her money be unblocked in Pakistani’s banks. They have
negotiated behind closed doors for a while. Finally they reached an
agreement. Musharraf is in deep political crisis. Since September 11
terrorist attack, Musharraf has become increasingly close to the US.
The United States has paid him dearly for his services. This has put
him in odds with the Islamists, who enjoy a great power in Pakistan.
Musharraf was previously a great ally of Taliban. Taliban leaders
escaped to Pakistan after the western military attack led by the US.
Islamic Madrasses, where suicide bombers are trained and Islamists
recruit their victims, are an important feature of Pakistani
society. The tensions between Musharraf’s government and the
Islamists came to a height after the siege of the Red mosque.
The scenario of Ms Bhutto’s return is classic or better described a
cliché. The military dictator is in trouble, the milder opposition
leader, whose main job when in power, had been to plunder the
country and the people, is portrayed as the hero of democracy. The
international media knows this job only too well, to sell her as the
angel of freedom to the frustrated people, stuck between two evils,
one military dictatorship and the other an Islamic one. This game of
political and media engineering is too transparent to miss. However,
what struck me was, the way she was described repeatedly, as the
first “Moslem woman leader in the Moslem world.” Why did they have
to mention this repeatedly? What purpose does this serve?
In the world under the Islamic terrorism, and gaining power by
political Islam, finding “moderate Moslem figures” has become a
strategy. The problem has been defined by the politicians,
strategists and academia as Moslem extremists, so, to their mind,
the panacea is Moderate Moslems. Particularly if they are female
they are more appealing. This is why we keep being reminded of her
being the first Moslem woman leader. This is to say she is a good
alternative vis a vis the extremists.
However, one cannot help but to ask some pertinent questions. Did Ms
Bhutto make any changes in the lot of Pakistani women, when she was
leading the country? Did her reign make any significant change in
Islamic laws concerning women’s rights and male privileges? Did she
even try to challenge the Islamists grip on power? Did she even
attempt to close down the notorious Madrasses? The answer to all
above questions is a clear NO.
We should leave Ms. Bhutto and move to the second story.
During the same days that Ms. Bhutto was constantly in the news, I
was sent several emails inviting me to see a short is also a woman.
I felt excited, clicked on the link to see this first woman bus
driver under the Islamic regime in Iran. As the film progressed I
felt more excited and a deep feeling of joy overtook me. To watch
this brave, determined and confident woman in an Islam stricken
country was thrilling.
The first woman bus driver I saw was in 1974 in Paris. I remember
when I got on the bus and realized the driver was a woman, I felt so
excited and it was even more exciting than seeing the Eiffel Tower
for the first time. I did not think that 33 years later I feel the
same way about another woman bus driver.
To me, this woman symbolizes women’s resistance movement under the
Islamic rule. This woman with her natural confidence, her words, her
“as a matter of fact” behaviour, her comfort in front of the camera,
the way she described her mission, exposes the deep roots and mass
scale of women’s liberation movement in Iran. She reigns in her bus,
she dictates her own laws. In this bus men get on from the back door
and women from the front, contrary to the Islamic laws of the land.
Some of the men who are told to get on from the back door, are
puzzled, but dare not question her, when they hear her determined
and confident voice. She even gets into arguments with several men
bus drivers, who she says harass her while driving. She admits that
she slapped one of them. She is asked why? She responds in a calm
and natural tone of voice, “We are the bulldozer, flattening the
grounds for other women.”
The discussions among the passengers are interesting. Women seem so
approving of their driver. They hope that a case like this would
have positive effect on the gender roles in the society. Some men
look puzzled, but the atmosphere is so charged for women’s rights,
that they try to be cautious in their statements. You can definitely
discern the women’s offensive in this bus. This 10 minute
documentary is more revealing about women’s liberation movement in
Iran that a 500 page book.
I must admit when I read the film’s title, I was expecting a big,
heavy woman behind the wheels. But this woman had a rather fragile
built, with her sun glasses she looked more like a fashion model
than a bus driver in a country ruled by Islamist misogynists.
When the film was finished, almost by way of a natural reflex, I
compared these two first women in the world called “Moslem.” One
from the ruling classes, privileged, rich, with vast resources
accessible to her, twice the prime minister. Has she done any thing
to challenge the Islamic values, the misogynism that has absolute
power in Pakistan? Has the lot of women improved a tiny bit under
her rule? Has she tried to appear as a bulldozer for women’s freedom
in Pakistan, even for one day? No. In power and out of power, she
has tried to appease the Islamists.
What about the first woman bus driver in Iran? Just by mere choice
of occupation she has challenged the whole value system governing
the society. She has been giving electrical shocks to thousands men
and women every day. Everyone getting on that bus, after the first
shock, would think about gender roles in the society. When they
arrive home safely, they would definitely think twice before calling
a woman “the weak” (a common term by which traditional men address
women.) I believe we should call this bus, the freedom bus. A half
hour journey in this bus gives everyone more food for thought than
hours of meeting on women’s liberation. Her existence is a statement
against traditional male chauvinist values and Islam. She is in
essence a leader of the women’s liberation movement, a bulldozer
that flattens the grounds for women to dare new challenges, break
walls, cross new borders.
Long Live Women’s Liberation!
The link to the documentary
http://www.whydemocracy.net/film/14
- Name: vbv
- Date: Sunday November 04, 2007
- Time: 22:27:51 -0700
Comment
Once the mullahs and extremists like Taliban take over power the likes of Benazir Bhutto will run for their lives hiding in a 'burka' ,or get sound lashing with islamic whips and rods,left in the streets to beg for alms. Musharaf has imposed martial law in Pakistan and I am sure he will be brutally killed by the men in his own army who are in league with the fanatics/terrorists/extremists all trained and fed by Pakiatan army's terror-spreading military wing known as ISI. The future of Pakistan as a progressive nation is indeed very bleak, and this affects India the most as we are its immediate neighbour. Women in islam are never respected and a fully talibanised Pakistan will see to it there are no more Benazirs , but just Mullah-dom!
- Name: Apostate
- Date: Monday November 05, 2007
- Time: 02:42:38 -0700
Comment
I agree vbv. Once the Western tools, the likes Musharraf & Benozir, are wiped off, we should send our human rights sisters, like Azar Majedi, to put the country in order, devoid of western imperialist influence. There will be total freedom of women, when these vicious western tools are annihilated from the soil of Islamic countries. This is inevitably coming -- sister Majedi's eager wait will be over soon.
- Name: kafir/infidel ( & Ex-communist ).
- Date: Monday November 05, 2007
- Time: 14:41:02 -0700
Comment
Azar Majedi is incisive in her thinking,sharp in her perception & true in her analytical power. Not only Benazir Bhtto as an elitist but with deep rooted ISLAMIC theology in her veins - she did not lift a finger to correct the dark mindset of evil & backward,repressive,suppressive ISLAM/ISLAMIC theocracy ,the basis on which it was founded ,she used to go along with MULLAS, & praise ISLAM?QQURRAN/ MO for delivering ISLAM & hatred,bloodthirstyness of ISLAM,fascism etc. In any case ,why the world,& people of 21 st century should even countenance,accept ,legitimize the existence of this evil,wicked separation of the so called Moslem woman,Moslem world . cant they speak or write simply humanity as one with single human bond ? Here again Moslems/ISLAMISTS are to a great extent succeeded in their separation & imposing this evil ISLAM on humanity as separate entity. Formation of PAKI_SATAN as a theocratic ISLAMic country with ultra,ultra,ultra fascist,intolerant,dogmatic ,bloodthirsty,Mullas,IMAMS,Ayatollas, at the helm & tolerating these evil intolerant tyrant is a failure of the international community. International community must immediately withdraw recognition of any ISLAMIC theocracy with QQURRAN/MO /ISLAM/SHARIA as their standard And term them as fascist MOSLEM countries. The day is not too far when the fascist ISLAMISTS ( according to their QQURRAN - a Moslem woman has no businness of ruling a family let alone a country ) will kill Benazir BHUTTO . Mullas will never allow a Moslem woman to sit at the top - as MO clearly enunciated his intense misogyny long back. In this connection - people must note one truth- Benazir Bhutto is from PAKISATAN - a country which was invaded,conquered ,destroyed,converted to ISLAM from Hindu DHARMA by force & sword . Hindu DHARMA placed woman on the pedastal as the source of creation & sanctity . So ,naturally it was this pre ISLAMIC Hindu DHARMA - a tiny flickering of which was in their remote corner that helped to see BENAZIR as the ruling person . This is undoutedly the truth. Other wise a pure ISLAMIC country with QQURRAN/True ISLAMIC theology has no place for woman to sit on the top . This same PreISLAMIC Hindu ancestry & culture is responsible for the toleartion of HASEENA & ZIA in Bangladesh- And not any ISLAMIC tenet or tolerance . People & world must note this point. The cances of Benazir becoming P M of PAKISATAN are very,very remote or indeed nil. She will get killed if she persists & makes noice with the support of outside democratic world.
- Name: muslim guy
- Date: Monday November 05, 2007
- Time: 16:17:14 -0700
Comment
Ive got 2 things to say: 1. Dont get brainwashed into thinking these are x-muslims. There just low lifes who hate islam. 2. Kes emkun akhu sharamit bi ayri. Enan deenkun kes emkum bi ayri ya akhu sharamit. Get a life ibn sharmutah!
- Name: muslim mustafa
- Date: Monday November 05, 2007
- Time: 16:18:16 -0700
Comment
helo to everyone that has posted on this website. i would firstly like to say that everyone who has been providing these undoubtedly racist comments deserve a piece of my mind. (what im going to say is also related to other threads) firstly, the reason that women havent been able to drive (seen in iran) is not against them but to protect them from men, so in a sence, its their own benifit. as you already know, women wear a hijab, and have many rules in order to stop their appearence and figure from men. if you think this is very unusaual and barbaric, dont forget that nuns, a christian type of woman, also wear scarves on their so that they dont show their hair. they also follow the same rules as muslim women and so you can say a muslim woman is just a very religious christian? now to others that think islamic rules ar barberic, lets not forget that a catholic priest is not allowed to marry at all. ........ ill finish this article later
- Name: kafir/infidel ( & Ex-communist ).
- Date: Monday November 05, 2007
- Time: 20:17:33 -0700
Comment
Moslem guy & Moslem Mustafa _ the real fascist slaves of ISLAM : No use in presenting any rational,logical,scientific truth & fact to you. You are playing games of TAQIYYA - you cant be made good with all goodness in the world. You have to go to ISLAMIC JANNAT as evil ,barbaric followers of ISLAM/MO/QQURRAN & you will demand your share of 72 Houris, prepubescent boys, wine ,dates & luxurious beds as promised by MO. But you will not find anything there- neither MO, nor ALLA . You will be burning with your own rage for you will not get 72 Houris, boys or wine. MO will not come to your rescue , to intercede for you. MOSLEM Mostafa - do not compare with Christian nuns - they are separate category - entirely devoted to service. But ISLAM is evil forced on everywomen. Moslem Mosatafa why dont you put on your own BURQA - nobody will see you. & hang your photo infront of your BURQA so that people will know that you are not a terrorist. All the Moslem men must be put in BURQA , in ISLAMIC Countries.Homosexuality is rampant in Moslems. Many apostates of ISLAM posted to say this - happens in Mosques ( by Mullas,IMAMS). Benazir Bhutto or HASEENA will not be allowed to rule PAKI_SATAN or B'desh. Earlier , it happened because of sudden default. Now, the ISLAMISTS realized the mistake - A country like SAUDI ( where MO started this hateful,bloodthirsty , fascist cult, IRAN ,IRAQ,kuwait,yemen will never allow a Moslem woman to rule. It is the sacred duty of all kafirs,infidels,Murtads,apostates,freedom,peace lovers,democratic people to declare ISLAM as antihumanity, fascist,intolerant,hateful,violent,killing dogma 7 hence must be rejected in toto.
- Name:
- Date: Tuesday November 06, 2007
- Time: 07:07:32 -0700
Comment
Hindu fanatic zombie kafir/infidel (& Ex-communist), you are a typical example of killer Narendra Modi. Brain-dead dung worshiper Hindus are propagating lie and hatred against Islam and Muslims all over the world. On the other hand many Western Christians are accepting Islam everyday, and also fighting against fanatic Hindus like you. Fanatic Hindus will be doomed by the next few decades!
- Name:
- Date: Tuesday November 06, 2007
- Time: 13:30:33 -0700
Comment
" racist comments deserve a piece of my mind."-----------The last time I heard, islam was a RELIGION N-O-T a race. THINK YOU CAN HANDLE THAT?----------"Ok, give me a piece of your mind. --------------------"firstly, the reason that women havent been able to drive (seen in iran) is not against them but to protect them from men, so in a sence, its their own benifit."------------------ "as you already know, women wear a hijab, and have many rules in order to stop their appearence and figure from men. if you think this is very unusaual and barbaric, dont forget that nuns, a christian type of woman, also wear scarves....."----------Cow! Who are you kidding! You must think we're stupid! You, men, are so scared of women, and of our intelligence, that you, have fooled yourselves into thinking otherwise. ----------------However, the wearing of the black shroud, or sheets, doesn't protect your women one bit - because the reports are coming out of Pakistan, and Arabia, FROM WOMEN COVERED FROM HEAD TO TOE- that men in the streats are feeling them up - the black sheets then, are no protection. If you insist that your women should stay home, as you know the majority of women in islamic countries are lower classes, they can't afford eunuchs, errand boys, or slaves, WHO THEN WILL DO THE SHOPPING, THE MARKETING, TAKING YOUR LITTLE BOYS TO SCHOOL, THE COUNTLESS ERRANDS?,--------As to nuns wearing veils, ------1- they do this voluntarily 2. Their faces are uncovered - and the hems are only to the knee, allowing free movement 3. THis is only a small percentage of the population of the West, NOT all the women.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"...just low lifes who hate islam."----------Yes, your're right, I, am one that hates islam- tht religion created by an evil being!" It's a heady feeling like having drunk expensive red wine - to be free to say it! I am in the company of GOD - IN "NO TIME" - " 2. Kes emkun akhu sharamit bi ayri. Enan deenkun kes emkum bi ayri ya akhu sharamit. Get a life ibn sharmutah!---------- Is this a love poem? I love you back. RIGHT BACK AT YA! My good fellow!--------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "worshiper Hindus are propagating lie and hatred against Islam and Muslims all over the world."------------------Oh, as if we, in the west needed anybody to see that your, islamics have been pushing your way into civilizations for 1400 YEARS. 14oo YEARS. This has been going on even BEFORE the Crusades.-------------" On the other hand many Western Christians are accepting Islam everyday,"---------While on the other hand, multitudes of moslems have QUIETLY been leaving islam. Also, multitudes have been leaving established religions because they've become wise the fallacies of it. --------- 'also fighting against fanatic Hindus like you."--------The only fanatic I see around is yourself. ONCE YOU START WITH THE DIRTY LANGUAGE AND LOOSING YOUR TEMPER - IT MEANS YOU'VE ALREADY LOST THE ARGUMENT - BECAUSE YOU CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING INTELLIGENT TO SAY - ---------"Fanatic Hindus will be doomed by the next few decades."---Doomed to what? WHAT? WHAT?-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allat - a Wild, Free Amazon