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.

Call of the Wyly

Charles Wyly, a Texas billionaire, megadoner, and philanthropist, died after a car accident in Colorado this weekend.  He and his brother Sam were fondly remembered as "the Wyly brothers", a wealthy duo that has donated millions to Republican causes and cultural projects around Texas.



Charles Wyly (left) and his brother Sam (right)



The Wyly brothers helped Dallas build their performing arts center with a massive $20 million contribution.  They have also prominently (but discreetly) donated to Republican causes, included millions to GOP candidates and causes for over four decades.

Charles, along with his brother, has founded several companies, including University Computing and the retail chain Michael's Stores, Inc.  Charles was also a former member of the White House Advisory Council for Management Improvement.

Charles, and his wife Dee

William Brewer III, Wyly's attorney, said in a statement to the Associated Press, "He is among the finest people I have ever known.  His contributions in civic leadership will forever be remembered."  Charles was 77.