Dog Days of Summer in the Middle East: On Bare Chests, Persecuted Churches, Segregated Pupils, and Censorship
“In Iraq, which her government claims to be democratic, the regime seeks to put more restrictions on the internet and books………All this in the name of religion and protecting society…..
“The role of any government should be to ensure that its people do not go hungry and that they are safe. After that they will take care of their own morals……..”Asharq Alawsat editorial.
So, let me get this straight. Where else are men banned from walking bare-chested? Where else is the separation of the sexes strictly enforced from elementary school? Where else Christian symbols are targeted at all simply because they are completely banned? Where else are churches not in danger because they are not allowed to exist? Where else are there restrictions on the media, including the internet? Where else….
No, I did not say Saudi Arabia, it is you who immediately just thought of it. I would also add Iran for some categories listed, especially about the bare chests, sex segregation, and media censorship (although some churches and synagogues are allowed).
Come to think of it, it is a good thing Middl East leaders do not try to emulate Obama's "hunk" shot in Hawaii: they would make a good case for banning bare chests (of men) forever, even in private.
Still, basically what he wrote was right. Well, it is not quantifiable, but if I must quantify it, with a gun at my head, I’d say I agree with about 80% of it, roughly.
I also give the editor the benefit of the doubt: I suspect that he is trying to squeeze in a message to the potentates in his own country, in a subtle way, to ease off on people.
Cheers
mhg
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