THIS IS HAPPENING IN THE 21ST CENTURY – AT 8:12 A.M. ET:  From The Times of London:

A Muslim woman sentenced to be caned for drinking beer has had her punishment commuted, in a surprising turnaround for a high-profile case that raised questions about Malaysia's Islamic laws.

Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, a 33-year-old mother of two, received a letter yesterday from the Pahang state Islamic department informing her that the state's sultan has decided to spare her the caning.

The order is likely to cool down a fiery debate over whether Islamic laws should intrude into people's private lives in this Muslim-majority country. Many people had condemned the punishment, saying it shows conservative Islamists are gaining influence over the justice system.

Her lawyer, Adham Jamalullail, said: “As a substitution for the caning, the sultan has ordered Kartika to perform community service for three weeks."

COMMENT:  Now remember, students, don't be judgmental.  After all, who are we to criticize another set of cultural choices, especially with our 1) racist, 2) oppressive, 3) capitalistic, 4) warmongering, 5) football crazy, and 6) Fox News-controlled, culture? 

That's the right line, isn't it?  If I got something wrong, please tell me. 

At least there's a debate permitted in Malaysia, and apparently a vigorous one.  Sadly, in many Muslim countries, no debate over Sharia (Islamic law) is allowed.

Notice, however, the absolute silence of Western "feminists," except for a small, courageous minority.  Feminist groups have sipped the Kool-Aid, and remain silent when another "culture" is involved.  If they did speak out, and shout occasionally, I suspect they'd save the lives of many women in Muslim countries.  Maybe that's just not a priority these days.

April 1, 2010