http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7869570.stm

Everytime I hear about a suicide bomber I wonder what makes them think that action will be effective. The increasing reports of female suicide bombers continues to show me just how little the war has done for the women of Iraq. Knowing that however doesn't answer any questions about what their reasons and beliefs are. Those of little intelligence may say it is just because they are "so and so"(whichever war we happen to be in, there is always a reproduced mass accepted 'so and so' to blame it on, this time it is usually because they are "muslim" no matter how little sense that makes in trying to offer explanations that seek to do more than create blame).

I think it is more important to question why. A BBC report from early FEB09 just begins to scratch the surface and is unfortunately not surprising in its reports of the role rape may be playing in these actions.

The woman being interviewed Samira Jassim, talked of "how insurgents used rape as a tool, with the "shamed" women persuaded to redeem themselves through suicide attacks."

It seems odd to me that anyone would continue to pretend that this invasion has positive effects for the women of Iraq. To make such a claim is to ignore history, either willfully or out of ignorance.

The status of women in Iraq was one of the best in the Middle East. Even under the brutality of Saddam they had certain protections. As US forces drew nearer to invasion Saddam began rescinding what rights the women of Iraq had.
As we can see now fundamentalism is growing in lock step with desperation.

This is a deadly mix that no amount of US bombs or occupation can dilute.