The president of Kyrgyzstan has intervened in a national debate about Kyrgyz identity, claiming “women in mini skirts don’t become suicide bombers.” In a country were 80% of the population is Muslim, President Atambayev criticized those who oppose women wearing revealing outfits. The BBC reports: His remarks followed several weeks of controversy over government-sponsored hoardings or banners put up in the streets of the capital Bishkek to try to dissuade Kyrgyz women from wearing Islamic clothing, notably the hijab, niqab and burka, ahead of a visit to the country by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in mid-July. The hoardings, which, like the president’s remarks, have offended many, showed contrasting photos: one side shows women wearing the traditional nomadic clothing of Kyrgyzstan, the other shows women in niqabs and burkas, the full veils worn by some Muslim women. The caption underneath said: “Poor people! Where are we heading to?” Addressing criticism of the design, President Atambayev said: “When we erected banners some smart people appeared and started pointing at miniskirts. Our women have been wearing miniskirts since 1950s, and they never thought about wearing an explosive belt. “You can wear even tarpaulin boots on your head, but do not organise bombings. This is [...]
