DOCSLIB.ORG

Rachel A. George Phd Revised April 2018

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Rachel A. George Phd Revised April 2018 The London School of Economics and Political Science From Contestation to Convergence? A Constructivist Critique of the Impact of UN Human Rights Treaty Ratification on Interpretations of Islam in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries Rachel Ann George A thesis submitted to the Department of International Relations of the London School of Economics for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, London, 2018 1 Declaration I certify that the thesis I have presented for examination for the MPhil/PhD degree of the London School of Economics and Political Science is solely my own work other than where I have clearly indicated that it is the work of others (in which case the extent of any work carried out jointly by me and any other person is clearly identified in it). The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. Quotation from it is permitted, provided that full acknowledgement is made. This thesis may not be reproduced without my prior written consent. I warrant that this authorisation does not, to the best of my belief, infringe the rights of any third party. I confirm that Hassan Shiban contributed by helping the author with the transliterations of Arabic for references contained in this thesis. I declare that my thesis consists of 99,537 words. 2 Acknowledgements I am most grateful for the academic, professional and personal support from the institutions, advisors, peers and friends that have guided and supported me throughout my doctoral study. First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Katerina Dalacoura. Her constant guidance, compassion and persistence have strengthened me as a researcher, writer and individual. Many meetings with her over the past four years have supported and ignited my interest and resolve in this research, which was only successful thanks to her kindness, generosity and dedication. I also wish to express my deepest thanks to the individuals and groups who supported me at the LSE, including but not limited to: the LSE International Relations Department and its studentship funding, the International Institutions research workshop, and the Middle East Centre. I am also grateful to the teaching teams and students involved in the IR 203 International Organisations course. Many thanks, as well, to Dr. Abdullah Baabood at the Gulf Studies Centre at Qatar University for hosting me in Doha and to the many kind activists, lawyers and experts in the Arab Gulf and across the Middle East, Europe and America who lent their time to talk with me about my research. Thanks, also, to Goodenough College for helping situate me in a new country and city and introduce me to lifelong friends. Finally, I am most grateful to my peers in the PhD program and my friends and family who have been a continual source of support and encouragement. Particularly, to the women who have supported me throughout my research project, including new acquaintances and friends who have helped inspire me about the need for more female voices and the amplification of existing female voices - in academia, politics and beyond. This thesis is dedicated to these women, particularly those based in the Middle East. 3 Abstract This thesis discusses UN human rights treaty ratification in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Ratification of human rights treaties by most GCC countries, often with extensive reservations concerning the compatibility of certain provisions with Islam, has generated international debate about the applicability of international human rights norms in an Islamic context. With poor compliance records, GCC cases are seen to demonstrate that global human rights norms fail to diffuse and take hold in specific local contexts. This thesis disputes this claim by arguing that normative change can be observed in these cases. It offers a constructivist critique of “norm diffusion” literature by focusing on changes in language and ideas, rather than on legal changes and implementation. Using the cases of the Convention Against Torture, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the thesis identifies when and how language and ideas about Islam and human rights have been shaped by UN conceptualizations of rights as a result of GCC engagement with these treaties. Examining both Arabic and English sources and carrying out analysis of the discourses in UN documents, employing legal analysis of recent constitutional documents and laws, and through interview research, the thesis demonstrates how arguments about Islam and human rights in the GCC have been shaped by treaty engagement since the 1990s. By demonstrating ratification’s impact on GCC actors’ use of UN human rights vocabulary and concepts within an Islamic context, the thesis argues that ratification matters more than the conventional literature suggests. It concludes that, even in cases that human rights treaties have failed to result in improved practices, they have contributed to the framing of interpretations of Islam alongside UN human rights concepts, a process that is worthy of greater scholarly attention. 4 Table of Contents Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………………..3 Abstract………………………………………………………………………….…………..4 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………......…………7 i.1 Theoretical Puzzles: Constructivism and Norm Diffusion……………….…............9 i.2 The Research Question……………………………………………………..……...13 i.3 The Argument……………………………………...................................................14 i.4 Case Selection……………………………………………………………………...17 i.5 Methodology and Sources………………………………………………..…...........23 i.6 Limitations on the Research………………………………………………..............26 i.7 Thesis Roadmap………………………………………………………..……..........28 CHAPTER 1: International Law, Constructivism and Norm Diffusion……………….......30 1.1 Exploring the Impact of International Law on Norms: Key Debates...………........32 1.2 A Nuanced View of Norm Diffusion…………………………………....................40 1.3 Norm Diffusion and Human Rights Language in the GCC ………...……........…..45 CHAPTER 2: Islam, Law and Human Rights in the Middle East and in the GCC...……...48 2.1 Islam and Law ………………..……………………………………………............51 2.2 Islam and Human Rights…………………………………………………...............57 2.3 Islamic Law and Human Rights in the GCC……………………………..…...........71 CHAPTER 3: Islam and the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT) in the GCC…..........82 3.1 Torture and Cruel Punishment in Islamic Law and Society…………..….………..88 3.2 Torture and Cruel Punishment in the GCC…………………………………...……98 3.2.1 Islam and GCC Reservations, Understandings and Declarations to the CAT.………………………………………………………………….…….103 3.3 GCC-CAT Engagement: Country Examples……………………………………..104 3.3.1 Saudi Arabia and the CAT………………………..…………………........105 3.3.2 Qatar and the CAT…………………………………..……........................133 3.3.3 Other GCC State Engagement with CAT: Bahrain and Kuwait………….144 3.4 Chapter Conclusions………………….…………………………………….….....148 CHAPTER 4: Islam and the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in the GCC ………………………...……....155 4.1 Women in Islamic Law and Society……………………………………...…...….161 4.2 Islam and Women in the GCC……………………………….………..…......…...164 4.2.1 GCC Regional Instruments and Women…………………….......…..........170 4.2.2 Islam and GCC Reservations, Understandings and Declarations to CEDAW………………………………………….......…..173 4.3 GCC-CEDAW Engagement: Country Examples…………………………...…....177 4.3.1 Kuwait and the CEDAW……………………..……………………..…….178 4.3.2 The UAE and the CEDAW………………………………………...……..194 5 4.3.3 Other GCC State Engagement with CEDAW: Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar………………………………………………….………..204 4.4 Chapter Conclusions…………………………………………………….………..212 CHAPTER 5: Islam and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in the GCC………………………………………………..…………………….....….................217 5.1 Children’s Rights in Islamic Law and Society…………………………...……….221 5.2 GCC Reservations to the CRC……………………………………………………227 5.3 GCC-CRC Country Engagement: Country Examples……………………..……..228 5.3.1 Saudi Arabia and the CRC…………………………………………..........228 5.3.2 The UAE and the CRC…………………………………….………...........241 5.3.3 Other GCC State Engagement with the CRC: Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman……………………………………………………………………………...248 5.4 Chapter Conclusions……………………………………………..……….........…253 CHAPTER 6: Islam and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in the GCC……………………………………………………...………….......................256 6.1 Civil and Political Rights in Islamic Law and Society………………..…..….......258 6.1.1 Civil and Political Rights in Islamic Law………………………...............260 6.1.2 Law and Governance in Islam………………....…....................................261 6.1.3 Freedom of Thought and Religion in Islamic Law….................................263 6.1.4 Civil and Political Rights of Women……………………………..........…266 6.2 GCC Reservations to the ICCPR………………………………………….….......270 6.3 GCC – ICCPR Country Engagement: Country Examples…………………..........272 6.3.1 Kuwait and the ICCPR……………………………………………............272 6.3.2 Bahrain and the ICCPR……………………………………….……..........289 6.3.3 Non-Ratifiers (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman)……………….......296 6.4 Chapter Conclusions…………………………………………………...……........298 CHAPTER 7: Conclusion…………………………….……….……………………..…...301 7.1 The Framing Effect of International Human Rights Conventions…………..…....304 7.2 Findings Regarding Norm Diffusion and Contributions
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Prospects of Political Islam in a Troubled Region Islamists and Post-Arab Spring Challenges
    The Prospects of Political Islam in a Troubled Region Islamists and Post-Arab Spring Challenges Editor Dr. Mohammed Abu Rumman The Prospects of Political Islam in a Troubled Region Islamists and Post-Arab Spring Challenges Editor Dr. Mohammed Abu Rumman 1 The Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan The Deposit Number at The National Library (2018/2/529) 277 AbuRumman, Mohammad Suliman The Prospects Of Political Islam In A Troubled Region / Moham- mad Suliman Abu Rumman; Translated by William Joseph Ward. – Am- man: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, 2018 (178) p. Deposit No.: 2018/2/529 Descriptors: /Politics//Islam/ يتحمل المؤلف كامل المسؤولية القانونية عن محتوى مصنفه وﻻ ّيعبر هذا المصنف عن رأي دائرة المكتبة الوطنية أو أي جهة حكومية أخرى. Published in 2018 by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Jordan & Iraq FES Jordan & Iraq P.O. Box 941876 Amman 11194 Jordan Email: [email protected] Website:www.fes-jordan.org Not for sale © FES Jordan & Iraq All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the original author. They do not necessarily represent those of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung or the editor. Translation: William Joseph Ward Cover and Lay-out: Mua’th Al Saied Printing: Economic Press ISBN: 978-9957-484-80-4 2 The Prospects of Political Islam in a Troubled Region Islamists and Post-Arab Spring Challenges Contributed Authors Dr. Mohammed Abu Rumman Dr. Khalil Anani Dr. Neven Bondokji Hassan Abu Hanieh Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • ISIM Newsletter 14, June 2004 ISIM
    ISIM Newsletter 14, June 2004 ISIM, Citation ISIM,. (2004). ISIM Newsletter 14, June 2004. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/1887/10074 Version: Not Applicable (or Unknown) License: Leiden University Non-exclusive license Downloaded from: https://hdl.handle.net/1887/10074 Note: To cite this publication please use the final published version (if applicable). ISIM-Newsletter-14-WEB-DEF 29-06-2004 11:06 Pagina 1 JUNE 2004 60 PAGES [email protected] WWW.ISIM.NL 14 Screening of The Passion of the Christ, “We should be wary whenever we see cultures … which Tehran, May 2004 invest so heavily in images of victimization. Such images— © AFP, 2004 regardless of their veracity or applicability—are essential for legitimising violence….” Elliot Colla, A Culture of Righteousness and Martyrdom, p.6 12 26 30 50 Charles Tripp Maha Abdelrahman Shirin Ebadi Donal B. Cruise O’Brien Iraq as Lebanon The Leftists & Islamists Human Rights, Women & Islam African Muslims & the Secular State ISIM-Newsletter-14-WEB-DEF 29-06-2004 11:06 Pagina 2 Ads N O W AV A I L A B L E FR O M ID C P U B L I S H E R S The Creation of Modern Saudi Arabia India Office Political and Secret Files , c. 1914-1939 Editor: Penelope Tuson, Former Curator of Middle East Archives, Oriental & India Office Collections (OIOC, now part of the Asia, Pacific and Africa Collections), British Library The archives of the Political and Secret Department of the India Office are an outstanding source for the history of the Saudi state, and this is the first time they have been made completely available in one major series.
    [Show full text]
  • A Comparative Study of the Development of the Primary Stage of Islamic Religious Education in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1950 to 1990
    A Comparative Study of the Development of the Primary Stage of Islamic Religious Education in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1950 to 1990 Thesis submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy to the Division of Education at the University of Sheffield 1992 VOLOMe .1 by Adel Abduiwahab Eissa Al Sharaf DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated To all the people who were sacrificed for the liberation of Kuwait To all teachers and parents in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia To my family, relatives and friends To my wife Maryam and my four children, Lolwah, Nour, Bader and Taibah with love II PART II Chapter Four Comparative analysis of I.R.E. curriculum textbooks in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia Introduction 106 The Saudi I.R.E. textbook for the first year 109 The Kuwaiti I.R.E. textbook for the first year 114 The Saudi I.R.E. textbook for the second year 117 The Kuwaiti I.R.E. textbook for the second year 120 The Saudi I.R.E. textbook for the third year 125 The Kuwaiti I.R.E. textbook for the third year 130 The advantages and disadvantages of the I.R.E. textbook for the two countries 136 The I.R.E. textbook's actual functions and implementations in the light of its stated aims 144 What do we need the I.R.E. textbook for? 147 The implementation of the LR.E. textbook 151 Chapter Five The philosophy of the aims of I.R.E. in relation to Islam in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia Introduction 160 Islam and education 161 Philosophy of education and Islamic religion 165 I.R.E.
    [Show full text]
  • Foreign Financing of Islamic Institutions in the Netherlands a Study to Assess the Feasibility of Conducting a Comprehensive Analysis
    Foreign financing of Islamic institutions in the Netherlands A study to assess the feasibility of conducting a comprehensive analysis Stijn Hoorens, Joachim Krapels, Magda Long, Tom Keatinge, Nicole van der Meulen, Kristy Kruithof, Jacopo Bellasio, Anna Psiaki and Gursel Aliyev For more information on this publication, visit www.rand.org/t/rr992 Cover image shared by Raymond Klaassen via Flickr; CC BY-ND 2.0. Published by the RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif., and Cambridge, UK R® is a registered trademark. © 2015 WODC, Ministerie van Veiligheid en Justitie. All rights reserved. The RAND Corporation is a research organisation that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is not-for-profit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. RAND’s publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. RAND® is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the sponsor. Support RAND Make a tax-deductible charitable contribution at www.rand.org/giving/contribute www.rand.org www.rand.org/randeurope Preface As specified in the Motie Segers, the Dutch Parliament formulated a need to provide an overview of the size and scope of foreign financial support to Islamic institutions in the Netherlands, as well as the potential influence that foreign actors may exert (partly) as a consequence of this funding. In the face of the complexity of this delicate undertaking, the Research and Documentation Centre (Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek- en Documentatiecentrum, WODC) decided that a staged approach would be best suited, commencing with an assessment of the feasibility of a comprehensive estimate of foreign funding to Islamic institutions (Phase 1).
    [Show full text]
  • The Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait, 1941-2000 a Social Movement Within the Social Domain
    The Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait, 1941-2000 A Social Movement within the Social Domain by Ali A. Alkandari A thesis submitted to the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies College of Social Sciences and International Studies University of Exeter in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies 17 January 2104 This thesis is available for Library use on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. I certify that all material in this thesis which is not my own work has been identified and that no material has previously been submitted and approved for the award of a degree by this or any other University. Signature: Abstract This is the first focused study of the Society of the Muslim Brotherhood, the most influential and organised social and political movement in Kuwait, from its beginnings in 1946up to2000. It focuses on the circumstances surrounding the emergence and development of the Muslim Brotherhood as part of a general Islamic revival in Kuwait. It argues that the Muslim Brotherhood was driven first and foremost by cultural considerations and that Kuwaiti secularists regarded it as a challenge to their growing influence in both the political domain (traditionally controlled by the ruling family) and the social domain (historically under the control of the religious establishment). The resulting conflict with secularists over the social domain posed a serious threat to the Muslim Brotherhood who considered themselves an extension of the traditional religious establishment.
    [Show full text]
  • Islam Presentation Committee Kuwait
    Islam Presentation Committee Kuwait How unconcerted is Bill when furthest and ananthous Ximenes humanize some heaving? Indo-Germanic Tanny Anatolcanonized: inaugurating he intermeddling his spadeful his throwbacknimbly. coincidently and thirdly. Matt is changeably ruthless after industrious Book house company, conferences and islam presentation committee described as an office or books for meeting quality christian leaders also a ban on islam presentation committee and its staff When the Government proposed a temporary facility does the Kheitan neighborhood, Islamist politicians and writers and local residents complained vociferously. Subscribe to kuwait was kuwait inaugurated by way of what is laid on. Abbassiya is that islam presentation committee said that sending false; however certain aspects of. It was kuwait did not inflate prices one to. Murder and form fully authorize. For Humanity Or disguise The Umma Aid and Islam in. Kuwait records 720 conversions to Islam Kuwait Gulf News. Shia books in presenting its various cultural direction to other celebrations, along with free trial was entirely forbidden as. Please enter last name, islam presentation committee experts, they felt quran center is independent and specific interpretation was told that? Get scribd membership is inviolable: allah leads you want it had been in kuwait respected all i was not been particularly when it should he willeth. Do again wish and save your settings? The kuwait on comparative religion dr israr will be part, department for long could not between dawn and analysis, which led to improve respect for security assessments. Get full access latest gas news, third kalima is a us who would have entered. CommercialResidential Building for Islam Presentation Committee Sabah Al Salem Al Salmiya Kuwait The project involves construction of medium commercial and.
    [Show full text]
  • Ramadan 1, 1434 Ah
    SUBSCRIPTION WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013 RAMADAN 1, 1434 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Emsak: 03:11 Fajer: 03:22 Dohr: 11:53 Asr: 15:28 Maghreb: 18:51 Eshaa: 20:21 Kuwait, GCC celebrate Max 48º Min 35º holy month of Ramadan High Tide 02:05 & 12:18 Low Tide Saudi to expel foreigners disrespecting Ramadan 07:03& 20:01 40 PAGES NO: 15865 150 FILS RIYADH: The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan conspiracy theories begins in Saudi Arabia today, the royal cabinet Ramadan Kareem announced in a statement yesterday, citing the king- dom’s religious authorities. The holy month during Month of which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and strive to be Ramadan steps more pious and charitable, begins with the sighting of By Umm Ruqayyah tolerance the new moon, which varies from country to country. Other Arab countries including Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar ouldn’t you love to enter the month of and Yemen, will also observe the start of Ramadan Ramadan on a real high and have the effects today. Wof this beautiful month be a permanent During Ramadan, Muslims are also required to impact on your life thereafter? How can this be done? abstain from drinking liquids, smoking and having sex Below are the 8 steps for a Legacy of a Ramadan. By Badrya Darwish from dawn until dusk. The fasting is one of the five main religious obligations under Islam. The month is Step 1 - Create a Ramadan Count Down sacred to Muslims because tradition says it is the Counting down for Ramadan (whether it is done month in which the Quran was revealed by Allah to mentally or by keeping physical signs around the home the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
    [Show full text]
  • Teaching the Clarinet in Kuwait: Creating a Curriculum for the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training
    University of Southampton Research Repository ePrints Soton Copyright © and Moral Rights for this thesis are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder/s. The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given e.g. AUTHOR (year of submission) "Full thesis title", University of Southampton, name of the University School or Department, PhD Thesis, pagination http://eprints.soton.ac.uk UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON FACULTY OF LAW, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC Teaching the Clarinet in Kuwait: Creating A Curriculum for the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training Ahmad Alderaiwaish Student ID: 223716711 Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy [Month] 2013 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON ABSTRACT FACULTY OF LAW, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES Department of Music Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Teaching the Clarinet in Kuwait: Creating A Curriculum for the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. Kuwait, post-oil (1932), invested heavily in educational development at all levels. A curriculum was developed which included music, both Eastern and Western. Initially the piano was adopted, but the curriculum was broadened to include other Western instruments, more recently the clarinet.
    [Show full text]
  • ISIM Newsletter 14, June 2004 ISIM
    ISIM Newsletter 14, June 2004 ISIM, Citation ISIM,. (2004). ISIM Newsletter 14, June 2004. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/1887/10074 Version: Not Applicable (or Unknown) License: Leiden University Non-exclusive license Downloaded from: https://hdl.handle.net/1887/10074 Note: To cite this publication please use the final published version (if applicable). ISIM-Newsletter-14-WEB-DEF 29-06-2004 11:06 Pagina 1 JUNE 2004 60 PAGES [email protected] WWW.ISIM.NL 14 Screening of The Passion of the Christ, “We should be wary whenever we see cultures … which Tehran, May 2004 invest so heavily in images of victimization. Such images— © AFP, 2004 regardless of their veracity or applicability—are essential for legitimising violence….” Elliot Colla, A Culture of Righteousness and Martyrdom, p.6 12 26 30 50 Charles Tripp Maha Abdelrahman Shirin Ebadi Donal B. Cruise O’Brien Iraq as Lebanon The Leftists & Islamists Human Rights, Women & Islam African Muslims & the Secular State ISIM-Newsletter-14-WEB-DEF 29-06-2004 11:06 Pagina 2 Ads N O W AV A I L A B L E FR O M ID C P U B L I S H E R S The Creation of Modern Saudi Arabia India Office Political and Secret Files , c. 1914-1939 Editor: Penelope Tuson, Former Curator of Middle East Archives, Oriental & India Office Collections (OIOC, now part of the Asia, Pacific and Africa Collections), British Library The archives of the Political and Secret Department of the India Office are an outstanding source for the history of the Saudi state, and this is the first time they have been made completely available in one major series.
    [Show full text]
  • Religionsforschung
    soFid Sozialwissenschaftlicher Fachinformationsdienst Religionsforschung 2009|2 Religionsforschung Sozialwissenschaftlicher Fachinformationsdienst soFid Religionsforschung Band 2009/2 bearbeitet von Sybille Frickel mit einem Beitrag von Joachim Wiemeyer GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften 2009 ISSN: 0176-4489 Herausgeber: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften Abteilung Fachinformation für die Sozialwissenschaften bearbeitet von: Sybille Frickel Programmierung: Siegfried Schomisch Druck u. Vertrieb: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften Lennéstr. 30, 53113 Bonn, Tel.: (0228)2281-0 Printed in Germany Die Mittel für diese Veröffentlichung wurden im Rahmen der institutionellen Förderung von GESIS durch den Bund und die Länder gemeinsam bereitgestellt. © 2009 GESIS. Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Insbesondere ist die Überführung in maschinenlesbare Form sowie das Speichern in Informationssystemen, auch auszugsweise, nur mit schriftlicher Ein- willigung des Herausgebers gestattet. Inhalt Vorwort .................................................................................................................................................7 Joachim Wiemeyer Das Engagement von Christen in politischen Parteien.........................................................................9 Sachgebiete 1 Religion in Geschichte und Gegenwart...................................................................................17 2 Religiöses Denken und religiöse Ausdrucksformen im Leben der Menschen........................32
    [Show full text]
  • Abaya and Yoga Pants: Women's Activism in Kuwait Emanuela
    http://www.aboutgender.unige.it Vol. 5 N° 10 anno 2016 pp. 186-203 Abaya and Yoga Pants: Women’s Activism in Kuwait Emanuela Buscemi1 University of Aberdeen Abstract Women’s activism in Kuwait has historically intersected with nation building and re- gime perpetuation projects. The government has attempted to combine instances of mo- dernity with growing political demands from the tribal and Islamist sectors, exploiting women’s activism as part of its regime survival strategy. In Kuwait, Islam does not only shape the position of women in society, but also the political discourse and it is a main instrumentum regni for power legitimization. Secular activism has co-existed, challenged and collaborated with Islamist women’s committees and Islamic feminist groups, emphasizing the porous boundaries between secular and religious agency. The present article investigates the relations between women’s militancy, Islam and modernity in contemporary Kuwait by means of a historical analysis, relying on data 1 Emanuela Buscemi is a Research associate at CEFAS - Centre Français d’Archéologie et de Sciences Sociales, Kuwait, and a doctoral candidate at the School of Social Science of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. She is a former instructor of the American University of Kuwait (AUK). 186 gathered through ethnographic enquiry and participant observation conducted in Kuwait between September 2012 and May 2013, and between January and May 2015. Keywords: Activism, women, Islam, Kuwait, Middle East. 1. Introduction Approaching the relation between women and Islam is a complex task, even more so af- ter 9/11 and the rhetoric of saving Muslim women (Abu-Lughod 2013, 785).
    [Show full text]
  • ECFG-Kuwait-2020R.Pdf
    About this Guide This guide is designed to prepare you to deploy to culturally complex environments and achieve mission objectives. The fundamental information contained within will help you understand the cultural dimension of your assigned location and gain skills necessary for success (Photo: US Navy and Kuwaiti Army explosive ordnance disposal technicians participate in bilateral exercise). The guide consists of 2 parts: ECFG Part 1 “Culture General” provides the foundational knowledge you need to operate effectively in any global environment with a focus on the Arab Gulf States. NOTE: While the term Persian Gulf is common in the US, this guide uses the name preferred in the region, the Arabian Gulf. Kuwait Part 2 “Culture Specific” describes unique cultural features of Kuwaiti society. It applies culture-general concepts to help increase your knowledge of your assigned deployment location. This section is designed to complement other pre-deployment training (Photo: US and Kuwaiti soldiers fire artillery rockets during a joint live-fire exercise). For further information, visit the Air Force Culture and Language Center website at https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/AFCLC/ or contact the AFCLC Region Team at [email protected]. Disclaimer: All text is the property of the AFCLC and may not be modified by a change in title, content, or labeling. It may be reproduced in its current format with the express permission of the AFCLC. All photography is provided as a courtesy of the US government, Wikimedia, and other sources. GENERAL CULTURE PART 1 – CULTURE GENERAL What is Culture? Fundamental to all aspects of human existence, culture shapes the way humans view life and functions as a tool we use to adapt to our social and physical environments.
    [Show full text]