"Western" feminist organizations are frequently criticized for keeping mum on the issue of women's rights in Islamic countries. "How hypocritical of them!" sayeth the right. And it would be! If their contention had any basis in fact, which, naturally, isn't the case.
Since we are involved in a Global War On Islamofascism, you'd expect the White House to be anything but muted on the issue of women's rights abroad. By happenstance, a question on this very subject came up at today's White House Press Briefing, so let's tune in to what Dana Perino had to say on the matter:
Q Two quick questions. One, as far as human rights issue is concerned, -- (inaudible) -- putting us down like Saudi Arabia rape victims, or in China, or in Pakistan, women are being mistreated -- like the latest case in Saudi Arabia. Rape victims are not only that they don't get justice, but they are charged and then they are pardoned by the King. Where do we stand now -- President will visit the region -- you think he will talk about this human rights issue, especially --
MS. PERINO: Well, the rape case that happened in Saudi was something that King Abdullah decided that he needed to address, and he did, and we think that's appropriate.
Q And you think it's acceptable because --
MS. PERINO: No, we already said that we thought that that case was outrageous.
Of course, the President's own remarks, made just days ago, tells an entirely different story:
Henry: On another issue of credibility in the Mid East -- At the Annapolis Summit you used your influence to get Saudi Arabia to the table but I wonder whether now you will use you influence to do something about the Saudi rape case that has gotten so much international attention? What goes through your mind when you hear about a 19 year old Saudi woman getting gang raped by seven men and basically a Saudi court blames the victim and sentences her to 200 lashes? You spoke to King Abdullah by telephone in the last couple of weeks. Did you press him on this case? If so what did you say and if not, are you giving him a pass?"
Bush: My first thoughts were these. What happens if this happened to my daughter? How would I react? And I would have been -- I would have been very emotional, of course. I'd have been angry at those who committed the crime, and I would be angry at the state that didn't support the victim, and our opinions were expressed by Dana Perino from the podium.
Henry: Did you press King Abdullah about it personally?
Bush: I talked to King Abdullah about the Middle eastern peace. I don't remember if that subject came up.
Wow. He sure sounds outraged!