Dua Khalil Aswad – Dead; But Not Forgotten

The Human Rights Watch(HRW) yesterday criticized the new law in Jordan which instead of acknowledging honour killing as a murder, condones it as a special case strengthening the perpetrators claim that their actions restore their family's respect in the (dysfunctional)community.

In the Middle East, society is very patriarchal and men dictate as to how it should be run. For women to thrive and build a sense of self, they must overcome obstacles that have been implemented by the current system. Positive reinforcement is given to obedience and submissiveness and women who do not conform to these traits, but rebel against them, threaten the system, hence receive a tough and negative response.

One established trend among many men in this region is the diabolic act of honour killing. While reading on it, I came across a gruesome video posting of the killing of an innocent, just 17 year old Iraqi girl called Dua Khalil Aswad in public (attached is her pic). Dua fell in love with a boy outside her religion and for this she was beaten to death cheerfully by men from her own community including her dad, brothers, relatives etc and buried along with a dead dog. I just cannot fathom the thinking of these people; killing one’s own daughter or sister in the most horrific way, because she was in love!

The key to prevent such inhuman practice is to educate people; so that they do not act like animals. Daddies/brothers should be taught to see their wives/sisters/daughters as strong, smart and beautiful, not just objects to be used; that men and women are equal but different; different physically, different in their emotional and personality composition. Those differences make it such a joy to be in a healthy relationship with a woman, be it your mother, sister or partner. Infact, lack of education and social empowerment in Middle East is leading to a host of other social issues like homosexuality, terrorism, unemployment etc.

In families, women are the anchor and hence the importance of empowering them to build healthier, peaceful and prosperous societies. So here is a reflection to all who has daughters; she is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of future.

Read more about her at;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoning_of_Du

See her being stoned to death;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Im9BdTYnH8

Want To Get Wasted - Take A Trip To Afghanistan

So the coalition forces have been stupid enough to kill another bunch of civilians yesterday in Afghanistan. At the same time, Americans are also taking a lot of causalities on their side and not counting the numerous suicide bombings and killings happening left, right and centre in Afghanistan. As a father of young boys, I find it distressing that youngsters are paying a terrible price for stupid wars started by retards (attached is a picture of yesterdays causalities in Afghanistan).

Another touching story is that of 21 year old lance corporal Joshua Bernard. Read more on the link below.
www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/04/joshua-bernard-photo-mari_n_277828.html

Am not sure as to when Americans are going to learn that to succeed in Afghanistan, they need to win the hearts and minds of the people. Force the Afghan government to end corruption so the common man benefits, try to find an alternative leader to the shady President Karzai who was found fiddling the recent election process, have a zero tolerance policy with Pakistan government in dealing with Taleban, there must be a million aid agency and their cronies in Afghanistan - they eat a hell lot of aid money so cut them to size, have a proactive approach in educating and developing the skill sets of Afghanis so eventually they can build their country on their own (and not the foreign contractors).

All the mistakes that we have identified during war and peace seem to be repeating again in Afghanistan. What a waste!

Anand Jon - A Sad Story

The verdict against Anand Jon (John) for multiple rape charges during the festive occasion of Onam was a contradiction to the civilized nature of Keralites world over. Anand was feted as a smoking gun in the world of fashion, rubbing shoulders with who is who in the world of celebrities until allegations started pouring out from middle of 2007. His rise and fall echoes very similar to a Hollywood movie, a place he was eager to stamp his authority on. The celebrity clients he clad includes Paris Hilton, Jessica Biel, Michelle Rodriguez, Nicole Richie etc and was also in the process of working out few projects with Manoj Night Shyamalan (another Keralite), director of acclaimed movies like The Sixth Sense, Signs, The Happening etc.

Am not writing this in favor or against any one, but while going through numerous write ups pertaining to his case, I could identify a lot of open ended questions.

Why is it that none of his rape victims dialed 911 or complained to the police?

Why is it that none of his victims got a medical report proving that sex actually took place?

Why did many of these aspiring models still kept in touch with him after the so called rape?

On what basis did the court of law in US select a rogue juror like Alvin Dymally who was trying to chat up Anands sister Sanjana Jon outside the court?

Of the 59 cases filed against him, the judge dropped 30 counts against him in one shot. That is more than half and what does it highlight? See the attached link below.
http://sharonwaxman.typepad.com/waxword/2008/08/shocking-pretri.html?cid=127940766#comment-127940766

There is no denying that that he did have sex with many of the stupid doe eyed models, but how much of it was consensual or forced. Who does not know that in industries like fashion & movie, which involves money & fame; sex is king (includes hetro, homo & bi). What did the US court of law do since few of his victims failed the polygraph test? The media has been very harsh on him, comparing him with all kinds of mythical creatures to later day characters like Genghis Khan and Ted Bundy. In the eyes of the media, it seems he is the only fashion designer who was involved in unlawful sex with models.

However, was there a deliberate plot to cut him down? Anand was definitely on the roll and in a world of fashion controlled by westerners (can anyone name a few non white, non western, global fashion designers?) a brown skinned, youthful looking guy from India, shaking fashion fundamentals in meccas like New York & Hollywood must have made a lot of people uncomfortable. He may not be in the league of Armani but his designs were far better than some of the contemporary fashion gurus. Unfortunately it seems that he was a victim of his own success; he promised a lot to a lot of girls which he could not deliver and that led to his ruin. Had he kept his word, am sure none of the victims would have come up with any of these allegations.

See more of his art & design at
www.anandjon.com