Third World is a categorical label used to describe states that are considered to be underdeveloped in terms of their economy or level of industrialization, globalization, standard of living, health, education or other criteria for ‘advancements‘.  This, according to Wikipedia, but truer words have never been spoken.

Although it is blamed on religious beliefs, their culture or other historic reasons, many countries in the Middle East are underdeveloped in terms of how they interact with each other – specifically, the interaction between men and women.

In 1996 I was in Saudi Arabia for about 3 months and experienced how women are treated and thought of in that country.  A cab driver told me that his son was more important than his wife in so many words.  For instance, when the family went somewhere, he told me his son rode in the front and his wife was in the back.  I also noticed how the men were with each other more than they would be out with their wives.  Hmm, I’m going to leave that one right their.

Take a good look at the gentleman in the picture.  His name is Hamid Karzai and he is the current president of Afghanistan.  He may very well be one of those who think that we – anyone who doesn’t believe like he does – are the devil.  To that I would say he needs to look in the mirror long and hard because his actions are devilish to say the least.

In fact, some people in Afghanistan think things are worse than when the country was ran by the Taliban.  That is pretty bad.

Karzai is rumored to have signed a law that would place many restrictions on women.  Here are some of the changes that could possibly be included:

• Only fathers and grandfathers are granted custody of children under the law, according to the United Nations Development Fund for Women.
• Women can only seek work, education or doctor’s appointments with their husband’s permission.
• Husbands can legally rape their wives.

I will repeat that last one, husbands can legally rape their wives.

People rape for their emotions mainly. There are several different reasons why people rape.

1. For their own pleasure.
2. To get revenge.
3. Hate over an event that has/will happen.
4. To ease hate.
5. Due to the loss of hope.
6. Hormones.
7. To make the victim suffer.
8. Due to the rapest wanting sexual intercorse with their partner, but their partner breaks up with them before doing so.
9. And the most evilest, to cause pain to another being.
10. Control

I don’t understand why one of these reasons would be part of a healthy marriage.  Of course for rape to occur, legal or not, the marriage is obviously not healthy.  To me, this is giving men license to commit a crime, a sick emotional crime, without the threat of being punished.  It is also stripping what remains or those womens’ rights.

I would like to hear a female opinion on this subject, but I already know how I feel.  Coming from a husband with what I like to think is a stable mind, there is nothing pleasurable, sexy and/or fun about the thought of raping someone – especially my wife!