Islam belongs in People's Lives, Not in Politics, says Karima Bennoune

Author : Mark Tran, The Guardian

In her book, Your Fatwa Does Not Apply Here, UN Special Rapporteur Karima Benoune criticizes Muslim fundamentalism from a human rights perspective. The Guardian addresses this controversial topic, drawing on the viewpoints of myriad activists including Mahnaz Afkhami.  “Mahnaz Afkhami, an Iranian women’s rights activist, says: ‘If you’re in the army, the general is always…

The Word on Women-Cultural Barriers to Women as Peace Builders

Author : Amy S. Choi, TrustLaw

At a conference entitled “Breaking Barriers: What will it take to achieve security, justice, and peace,” Manhaz Afkhami highlighted the threat of fundamentalism to human rights, peace, and women’s rights.  “The characteristics of fundamentalism – fear of rapid change, modernity, an individual’s place in society, science, evolution, and all of the ramifications of those new…