While decrying the new law discriminating against Afghan husbands, Canadian officials are essentially taking a wait-and-see attitude. The new law legalizes marital rape and forbids husbands from leaving the house without the consent of their wives. Penalties for disobedience are harsh. Meanwhile, supporters of the law argue it applies only to the country's minority Shi'ite Muslim population - not to all men.
What if?
What if men had lost their rights, instead of women in the legislation recently signed by President Harmid Karzai? Close ally of the U.S. and Canada Karzai? Last week, men pelted demonstrating women with stones in Kabul, calling them "dogs," although it should be noted a few men marched with the women.
Within Afghanstan, clerics defend the law while, internationally, officials in countries like Canada express "deep concern" but little else. It's unthinkable men would face such a fate - or that the rest of the world would maintain a helpless pose as women courageously marched.
Take any story on what's happening to women in Afghanistan and switch the word "women" to "men. See how bizarre it is?
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Humanitarian of the week award: Karlheinz Schreiber
The German arms dealer this week told the public inquiry into his business dealings with former PM Brian Mulroney he lobbied for a light-armoured vehicle plant in Nova Scotia two decades ago in order to save lives. "I am frustrated today because this is the reason why our soldiers are (being) killed in Afghanistan," said Schreiber (in an AFP photo at right).
"It's not about a few bucks in commission. This is about lives."
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On a glorious day with promise of a great Saturday ahead, Decoder ace contributor Lynne shares springtime images of the first calf of the year at Riverdale Farm in Toronto.
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Oh, yeah, and Joe the Plumber is back.
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