Daughter’s of Iraq: Woman Security Guards

By Tom A. Peter—Aleyna Castillo 9/11/08

Although violence as a whole has decreased recently in the Iraq, a new threat has become very popular now—female suicide bombers. As many know, Al Queda, and other insurgent groups in the Middle East have been carrying out suicide bombings for many years now. However, not often would a woman participate. Now, these groups have been recruiting female suicide bombers to utilize the cultural fact that men cannot search woman. Because there is nearly all men working as police in the Middle East, these female suicide bombers are able to come and go as they please through security and carry out their attacks. The most recent female suicide attack, on August 14th, killed 18 people and injured 75.

With the number of woman suicide bombers on the rise, Iraqi’s have decided to take action. “To combat this threat Al Queda is proposing, Iraqis have begun recruiting women for the “Daughters of Iraq”, a female counterpart to the “Sons of Iraq” community policing program largely credited with reducing violence in Iraq.” The “Daughter’s of Iraq” guard strategic locations and search any woman that tries to come through their base. Some woman disliked this new form of security because of the simple fact it made them uncomfortable to be searched, even by a woman. However, this security action has been put in place to help not to hurt.

Placing women in the security workforce challenges the traditional gender roles of the Iraqi people. Women are only able to work if they have a degree, and even then, that is discouraged. Also, women have a certain “respect” they carry for themselves, their husband, and their families, and working can hinder or aggravate that.

In my opinion, I think that the violence in the Middle East has gotten out of control. Now making women commit suicide for Al Queda? That is absolutely ridiculous. It is very sad. However, the fact that the Iraqi people are combating this situation with intelligence makes me happy. The “Daughter’s of Iraq” should feel proud of themselves for stepping up, against the odds, and doing good things for their country. The only part about the “Daughter’s of Iraq” program that I dislike, is the fact that not everyone in the country agrees with it, which causes problems for the women in it. Some of the men see working women in the security workforce as not lady like enough to marry, meaning some women may not get married if they are in the program. Other than that, I completely support them!

Cited from: http://abcnews.go.com/International/CSM/Story?id=5774471&page=3