ePub Queen Victoria's Commanders by Michael Barthorp in History

Description

The war in Iraq has put the condition of Iraqi women firmly on the global agenda. For years; their lives have been framed by state oppression; economic sanctions and three wars. Now they must play a seminal role in reshaping their country's future for the twenty-first century. Nadje Al-Ali challenges the myths and misconceptions which have dominated debates about Iraqi women; bringing a much needed gender perspective to bear on the central political issue of our time. Based on life stories and oral histories of Iraqi women; she traces the history of Iraq from post-colonial independence; to the emergence of a women's movement in the 1950s; Saddam Hussein's early policy of state feminism to the turn towards greater social conservatism triggered by war and sanctions. Yet; the book also shows that; far from being passive victims; Iraqi women have been; and continue to be; key social and political actors. Following the invasion; Al-Ali analyses the impact of occupation and Islamist movements on women's lives and argues that US-led calls for liberation has led to a greater backlash against Iraqi women.