Update on Mukhtar Mai

Many of you are familiar with the case of Mukhtar Mai, the Pakistani woman who was raped on the order of a local tribal court. Mukhtar's brother allegedly had done something to dishonor a higher clan, and the local leaders decreed that this clan could regain their honor by having Mukhtar raped in front of her father and uncle by four men of the court's choosing. In cases like this, which are more common than would ever be expected in the 21st century, it is generally assumed that the woman will go home and quietly commit suicide or at least disappear. Instead Mukhtar went to her local Muslim cleric. This Imam encouraged her to report this crime and accompanied her to the police to have the men charged with rape. Her case became an international cause. Support and money poured in from around the world. This shy, illiterate woman used her new fame and money to open schools for girls, start a women's shelter and establish an organization to work for women's rights. She has made many enemies in traditional, rural society in Pakistan and her life has often been in danger. And now she faces a new threat.

The family of Mukhtar's best friend and chief of staff has been caught up in a violent dispute which could effect all Mukhtar has worked for. A female cousin of Mukhtar's friend married a man from another clan for love infuriating the men of her own clan. In July, the two clans engaged in a gunfight and both the young husband and wife were killed. It appears that the wife was killed by her own family in a kind of honor killing. The husband's family is outraged and seem to want to punish the entire family including Mukhtar's chief of staff and her husband. The traditional leaders who have always resented Mukhtar are using this incident to attack her work. There have been demonstrations against her and the police have raided her home. The fear is that tribal authorities will use this as an excuse to attack her school, shelter and compound and destroy all the work she has done. Since she works in a remote part of Pakistan where tribal law rules, there does not seem to be much the federal government can do to help her. After all she has endured and all she has accomplished against incredible obstacles, it would be a tragedy if her work is undone.

I am left to wonder how the western world can ever understand this type of tribal society which the U.S. is facing in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Can we find common ground between our world and the world of Mukhtar Mai? Is it even possible?