Iran: A Punchline for Women's Rights

The United Nations elected Iran earlier in 2010 to a four-year term on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).  The Commission, said to be "dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women" has become a punch-line for policies regarding women's rights.

The U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is intended to be a central forum for international agendas that promote higher standards of living, and encourages respect for human rights and freedom around the globe.  However, Iran has a notorious reputation for oppressing women, as it is not uncommon for women to be buried up to their waist and stoned to death for crimes as miniscule as adultery.  

In Iran, women seeking equality have been charged with threatening national security.  Women are banned from certain areas of study in Universities, as the regime attempts to eradicate decades of progress and strife.  Private rights such as clothing, marital status, custody, inheritance, abortion and transportation are legal battles for women in Iran every day. 

The most recent U.N. assembly at the N.Y. headquarters practically did nothing to promote the goals that were bestowed upon the CSW when it was established in 1946, other than blame Israel for violating Palestinian women's rights.

Iran's election to this 'illustrious' position is indicative of the complete disregard for women's rights, and the misappropriation of priorities.  It's also a foreboding realization that the Islamic authority of the U.N. is overshadowing the very purpose of its establishment in an attempt to push their own agendas.

Viva La Drug War

Mexican President Felipe Calderon spoke Thursday at the U.N. General Assembly, stressing the need for greater cooperation from the United States in regards to the drug war terrorizing the streets of Mexico.

Calderon addressed the 66^th session of the U.N. in New York, citing America's heavy consumption of illegal drugs as being partly responsible for the overwhelming violence that has escalated in recent months.

These sentiments came just days after an arson attack in Monterrey left 50 people dead.  While bodies are being dumped on roadsides, Calderon claims consumer nations like the U.S. are not doing enough to address the escalating violence, as it is gridlocked with Middle East conflicts.

Although the White House responded, condemning the attacks and committing to help fight the drug war, the ever-busy status of our nation is persistent with pressing, international agendas.  Calderon was assured that the historic level of cooperation with Mexico would endure "to protect the public health and safety of citizens on both sides of the border."

This drug war her persisted for nearly three years, resulting in the loss of over 17,000 lives.  Although the media is barely covering the situation, the drug war should be a primary concern for Americans, as borders have seen an influx of narcotics, weapons, and refugees.