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December 14, 2003
Le Foulard Islamique
The French are proposing a ban on the wearing in schools of the "foulard islamique", the headgear worn by some Muslim women, because it is a religious symbol. But Amir Taheri argues that it is a political symbol, not religious.
It was first created in Lebanon in 1975 by Imam Mussa Sadr, an Iranian mullah who had become leader of the Shi'ite community there. Sadr wanted the foulard to mark out Shi'ite girls so that they would not be molested by the Palestinians who controlled southern Lebanon at the time.
Then it was co-opted by Iran's religious leaders.
In 1982, the Lebanese-designed headgear was imposed by law on all Iranian girls and women, including non-Muslims, aged six years and above. Thus, Iranian Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian women are also forced to wear a headgear that is supposed to be an Islamic symbol. The Khomeinist claim is that women's hair has to be covered because it emits rays that turn men "wild with sex."
Well sure. We've all seen those Herbal Essence commercials. Right? That's why I stay out of those glass-walled showers....reflects those rays right back on me and well....I just get out of control. *snicker*
The colors of the headcoverings also have meaning.
Second, the various Islamist movements have developed specific color schemes to assert their identity. The Khomeinists wear dark blue or brown. The Sunni Salafis, who sympathize with al Qaeda and the Taliban, prefer black. Supporters of Abu-Sayyaf and other Southeast Asian radical groups wear white or yellow. Supporters of Palestinian radical groups don checkered foulards.
Just like gangbangers.
More importantly, Amir makes the clear distinction between the Muslim religion and the militant Islamists.
What France is witnessing is not a clash of civilization between Islam and the West. It is a clash between a new form of fascism and democracy. Islamism must be exposed and opposed politically. To give it any religious credentials is not only unjust but also bad politics.
It's not just France, this is what's happening worldwide. Religion is just a convenient cover for the fascism of the militant Islamists, just like communism was the cover for those like Mao and Stalin.
Power and control is what it's really all about.
Posted by Rita at December 14, 2003 07:05 AM