Monthly Archives: September 2021

Sep 11th 2021

AFTER AMERICA and its allies toppled the Taliban in 2001, primary-school enrolment of Afghan girls rose from 0% to above 80%. Infant mortality fell by half. Forced marriage was made illegal. Many of those schools were ropy, and many families ignored the law. But no one seriously doubts that Afghan women and girls have made great gains in the past 20 years, or that those gains are now in jeopardy.

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The United States is committed to advancing gender equality through its foreign policy, according to the State Department. Bequeathing billions of dollars-worth of arms and a medium-size country to a group of violent misogynists is an odd way to show it. Of course, foreign policy involves difficult trade-offs. But there is growing evidence that Hillary Clinton was on to something when she said, a decade ago, that The subjugation of women isa threat to the common security of our world. Societies that oppress women are far more likely to be violent and unstable.

There are several possible reasons for this. In many places girls are selectively aborted or fatally neglected. This has led to skewed sex ratios, which mean millions of young men are doomed to remain single. Frustrated young men are more likely to commit violent crimes or join rebel groups. Recruiters for Boko Haram and Islamic State know this, and promise them wives as the spoils of war. Polygamy also creates a surplus of single young men. Multiple wives for men at the top means brooding bachelorhood for those at the bottom.

All conflicts have complex causes. But it may be no coincidence that Kashmir has one of the most unbalanced sex ratios in India, or that all of the 20 most turbulent countries on the Fragile States index compiled by the Fund for Peace in Washington practise polygamy. In Guinea, where a coup took place on September 5th, 42% of married women aged 15-49 are in polygamous unions. Chinas police state keeps a lid on its many surplus men, but its neighbours sometimes wonder whether their aggression may some day seek an outlet.

Outside rich democracies, the male kinship group is still the basic unit of many societies. Such groups emerged largely for self-defence: male cousins would unite to repel outsiders. Today, they mostly cause trouble. Tit-for-tat clan feuds spatter blood across the Middle East and the Sahel. Tribes compete to control the state, often violently, so they can divvy up jobs and loot among their kin. Those states become corrupt and dysfunctional, alienating citizens and boosting support for jihadists who promise to govern more justly.

Societies based on male bonding tend to subjugate women. Fathers choose whom their daughters will marry. Often there is a bride pricethe grooms family pay what are sometimes hefty sums to the brides family. This gives fathers an incentive to make their daughters marry early. It is not a small problem. Dowries or bride prices are common in half the worlds countries. A fifth of the worlds young women were married before the age of 18; a twentieth before 15. Child brides are more likely to drop out of school, less able to stand up to abusive husbands and less likely to raise healthy, well-educated children.

Researchers at Texas A&M and Brigham Young universities compiled a global index of pre-modern attitudes to women, including sexist family laws, unequal property rights, early marriage for girls, patrilocal marriage, polygamy, bride prices, son preference, violence against women and legal indulgence of it (for example, can a rapist escape punishment by marrying his victim?). It turned out to be highly correlated with violent instability in a country.

Various lessons can be drawn from this. In addition to their usual analytical tools, policymakers should study geopolitics through the prism of sex. That index of sexist customs, had it existed 20 years ago, would have warned them how hard nation-building would be in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, it suggests that stability cannot be taken for granted in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan or even India.

Peace talks should include women. Between 1992 and 2019, only 13% of negotiators and 6% of signatories of peace deals were female. Yet peace tends to last longer when women are at the table. This may be because they are more ready to compromise; or perhaps because a room without women implies a stitch-up between the men with guns without input from non-combatants. Liberia got this right and ended a ghastly civil war; Afghanistans new rulers have not.

More broadly, governments should mean it when they say they want to liberate half of humanity. Educate girls, many of whom have quit school to work or marry since covid-19 impoverished their families. Enforce bans on child marriage and on female genital mutilation, hard though that is in remote villages. Do not recognise polygamy. Equalise inheritance rights. Teach boys not to hit women. Introduce public pensions, which undermine the tradition whereby couples are expected to live with the mans parents, because the elderly have no other means of support.

Most of these are tasks for national governments, but outsiders have some influence. Since Western donors started harping on about girls education, more girls have gone to school (primary enrolment has risen from 64% in 1970 to nearly 90% today). Campaigners against early marriage have prompted more than 50 countries to raise the minimum age since 2000. Boys need to learn about non-violence from local mentors, but ideas about how to design such programmes are shared through a global network of charities and think-tanks. Donors such as USAID and the World Bank have done a fair job of promoting property rights for women, even if their Afghan efforts are about to go up in smoke.

Foreign policy should not be naive. Countries have vital interests, and need to deter foes. Geopolitics should not be viewed solely through a feminist lens, any more than it should be viewed solely in terms of economics or nuclear non-proliferation. But policymakers who fail to consider the interests of half the population cannot hope to understand the world.

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline "Why nations that fail women fail"

More here:

Why nations that fail women fail - The Economist

Sep 8th 2021

THE TALIBAN plan to rule Afghanistan in accordance with sharia. During its previous stint in power, the militant group was known for its strict interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence, banning music and forcing women to wear a full burqa in public. But many countries besides Afghanistanamong them Saudi Arabia, Iran and parts of Indonesia and Nigeriaalso use sharia without such strictures. So what is sharia, and how is it applied?

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Sharia means path in Arabic, indicating the conduct that pleases God. It covers criminal, commercial and family law but is much more holistic than secular legal systems: it also sets out the ethical rules that Muslims should aim to live and worship by. (A similar code governing both legal and ethical matters, halakha, exists in Judaism.) Sharia is based on the Koran, Islams holy book; the hadith, or sayings of the prophet Mohammed; and the subsequent work of Islamic legal scholars. There are some very harsh punishments for crimes deemed against God (known as hudud), including death by stoning or 100 lashes for adulterers. But the standard of proof for conviction is extremely high, making these punishments rare. In the case of adultery, four witnesses must testify. Retribution for serious crimes against people, such as murder, can also be severe, based on the principle of qisas, or an eye for an eye. But Islam encourages victims to be merciful and pay diya, blood money, instead.

Sharia governs family law by defining the age of maturity and rules of marriage. Traditionally men are allowed up to four wives, though polygamy is rare in many Muslim countries today. In some, such as Tunisia, it has been banned. Adultery, sex before marriage, prostitution and sex between men are among acts termed zina, or unlawful. A religious marriage, or nikah, can often be dissolved unilaterally by the husband. Under most schools of sharia women can also instigate divorce but must petition a court to do so. Perhaps the least familiar branch of sharia for Westerners is Islamic commercial law, which is built on the principles of fairness and certainty between contracted parties. Money lending is banned, as is insurance (though some funds based on shared risks are allowed), contracts that yield unclear returns, or any business that involves gambling, pork or alcohol (all of which are considered sinful). Islamic banks traditionally pay no interest, instead investing deposits and returning a cut of the profits (which amounts to much the same thing). In some Gulf states these rules have been relaxed, and investments and mortgages are governed by special contracts that limit risk. Banks often have a sharia board to ensure they comply.

Although parts of Sharia are set out in the Koran, most of the system, like other legal frameworks, is flexible. Some countries make a show of imposing Islamic law strictly: in Kano state in Nigeria, Islamic police have banned shop mannequins with heads in case their lifelike forms provoke inappropriate thoughts. In other countries, such as Malaysia, the influence of sharia is more subtle. The harshest regimes, such as those imposed by Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, Al Shabab in Somalia and Afghanistans previous Taliban government, often stretch sharias dictates to their limits. The new Taliban government has promised moderation. Whether or not it means it will come down to its interpretation of sharia. Once the Taliban used it to justify banning photography. Now its fighters take selfies and post them online.

More from The Economist explains:Who counts as a refugee?Can video games be addictive?What does Taliban control mean for Afghanistans opium economy?

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What is sharia? - The Economist

Musa Mseleku is at the centre of attention again, not just because of his polygamous lifestyle shown on uThando Nesthembu but his other show Mnakwethu.

Mnakwethu, on its second season, follows the quest of married men with intentions to take a second wife. The married men ask Mseleku for help to find the courage to introduce polygamy to theircurrent wife.

Usually, on the show, the wives are unaware their husbands are seeing other women. They find out when confronted by Mseleku and the husband, and the scenes are often uncomfortable to watch.

In some episodes, some wives agree to a polygamous marriage but there are others who dont. In Wednesdays episode, viewers were taken aback by the age of Ncengwas, 28, girlfriend. Thabisile is 19 years old, and his wife is just a year older.

Viewers thought the young women on Mnakwethu should be more concerned about other things than marriage at their age.

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic defends Musa Mseleku against Mnakwethu critics

Another controversial show that puts Mseleku in the spotlight is uThando Nesthembu which returns for a fifth season this month.

Mseleku joked on social media that his fifth wife cant be a feminist but she can either be a doctor or independent.

In season four, the Mseleku wives MaCele, MaYeni, MaKhumalo and MaNgwabe were at an impasse over his request to get a fifth wife. Mseleku was more concerned over the dysfunctional sisterhood between his wives.

A lot of polygamous mens motivation is the desire to expand their family sizes. Mseleku has repeatedly shared on his reality show that he wants over 10 children, which he currently has.

However, traditionally the man needs the approval of his first wife in order to take addtional wives. The decision is also sometimes based on family history and requests from the elders.

However a Twitter user, @NdumiSKhumalo wasnt buying this.

READ NEXT: No feminists allowed: Musa Mseleku shares his requirements for a fifth wife

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Mnakwethus wives getting younger with every episode - The Citizen

Photo: 90 Day Fianc/YouTube

I wanted to spend this recap overjoyed that we finally got to catch up with Kenny and Armando, but I cant even focus on their chaotic wedding planning. Testing Trust is Aris villain-origin story, and it sets up the stakes for an incredible season. As Biniyams sisters said, Ari bringing her ex-husband of ten years to Ethiopia is white people shit. When we get the backstory of Ari and Leandro, its even worse: No culture on earth would be okay with what Ari is doing here.

Ari cant stop beaming and acting all giddy at the thought of going to pick Leandro up from the airport! Then we find out that they never really even broke up; they drifted apart and always thought theyd get back together until Bini got Ari pregnant. The timeline is questionable and makes the entire visit uncomfortable. It also doesnt help that Ari is wearing dresses, getting her nails done, and not wearing her ring. She absolutely still loves her ex-husband. Its obvious Ari has never really been into Biniyam but has just done her best to make it work for their kid. She doesnt take his job, passions, or religion seriously.

Biniyam is terrified that Ari will run away with his kid like his first wife did, and I think he has every reason to worry. Aris remarks that Leandro couldve had a kid like Avi is weird. Leandro seems too eager to play stepdaddy. Biniyam doesnt deserve to go through any of this!

Ari is absolutely the most aggravating person to watch this season, but Evelin is a close second. Evelin has repeatedly told her family and Corey that she doesnt believe in marriage. Shes constantly reminding Corey their relationship is unstable, and theyve both slept with other people. So, I do not understand her sudden desire to spend $2650,000 on a wedding. Corey was absolutely shocked (and hilarious when he said anyone could throw a great wedding at that price).

Since these two came on the show, its been pretty obvious Evelin uses Corey for money. It hasnt been a plot point recently, but viewers should remember that Corey sent tons of money to Evelin to open their bar, and she used him to buy gifts and clothes for her family. I think this expensive wedding is a scam on her part to get Corey to pay as many of her friends and family to put the wedding together as possible. Corey would be happy with a $5,000 wedding in the woods, which is another example of their differences. Id also bet money is tight for Corey after his father passed away, something Evelin hasnt been particularly sympathetic about so far.

Also, just because I think Evelin is this seasons second-best villain, I researched her claim that the groom pays for everything in Ecuador. According to Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette, this is basically true: The groom pays for the ceremony, rings, and honeymoon, but the brides family is expected to pay for the dinner, flowers, cake, and wedding mementos. It certainly doesnt seem like Corey should expect to pay for every damn thing.

Id bet that Kenny and Armandos wedding will be far more successful. First of all, these two actually love each other. Kennys concerns over the homophobia they might face while planning the wedding are fair, but Armando just seems so excited he cant really see Kennys concerns. Kenny is also clearly super homesick, but its not like Armando has it easy. He had to leave his family, and his father still doesnt even know hes engaged. These two deserve nothing but happiness (Kenny is finally learning Spanish!), but theyve just been handed very difficult circumstances. Armando and Hannah just seem so ready to start their life with Kenny, but its hard to tell if Kenny is still on the same page.

This week we also found out more details about the secret Steven is keeping from Alina. Alina says that Steven asked if he could date other women while theyre together but separated. Of course, I know not all Mormons practice polygamy, but this is TLC, home of the show Sister Wives. Do I think TLC would go out of its way to find a Mormon polygamist who fell in love overseas? Possibly. There could also be more details to the story that Alina left out, or she misunderstood him. Still, Im excited to find out whatever Steven has to reveal if theres more to it than lying about his virginity. Its just why would he be so interested in dating other women if hes waiting until marriage and has already had sex?

Ellie finally told her friends that shes selling everything and moving to be with Victor. They respond appropriately: Shes making a mistake. Victor has cheated on her, and shell have nothing to come back home to if this doesnt work out. She also reveals that Victor has a bit of a violent past with his ex-girlfriend. She really doesnt know enough about him to know how hell react when things get tough living together full-time.

As weve seen with The Other Ways resident couple, Sumit and Jenny, things change when youre actually together in person. Ellie is still in the honeymoon phase, but Jenny is a pretty good look at her future. Sumit has Jenny out here looking absolutely stupid. Jennys visa is still up in the air, and her only option now is to use some religious loophole she doesnt even believe. If Sumit would just marry Jenny like he promised, she wouldnt have to go through all of this. His lawyer already told him theres nothing his parents can do to stop them from getting married, so hes just being a coward and a liar. Weve never seen Jenny get this mad, but shes going along with this new plan, so I guess she isnt totally fed up with him.

Ellie please stop giving that man money and just live your pizza dreams. You are ignoring all the red flags. Also, the passive way of bringing up an issue by saying you had a dream about it?! You arent in high school, be direct!

Stevens two-apartment thing is understandably annoying. They could get one apartment with two rooms. Its not like he cant control himself.

Has anyone had a transformation like Bini? When we first met him, it really seemed like he had to prove himself, and now he is the most sympathetic character in 90 Day history. I really think Ari is bringing her ex-husband around to teach him some kind of lesson. Ari smiling while her ex held her baby was also weird! Also, getting Ari bras was weird; theres no way she cant get a bra ordered online or have her mom send some over. Ari is sitting in BINIS living room crying over her EX-HUSBAND, call the authorities!

Keep up with all the drama of your favorite shows!

Link:

90 Day Fianc: The Other Way Recap: Ari Is Definitely the Worst - Vulture