maldives

The Militarization of Sex | Foreign Policy

…Mutaa is a form of “temporary marriage” only acceptable within Shiite communities, one that allows couples to have religiously sanctioned sex for a limited period of time, without any commitments, and without the obligatory involvement of religious figures. In conservative Muslim societies known for their strict sense of propriety, mutaa offers an escape clause. The contract is very simple. The woman says: “I marry myself to you for [a specific period of time] and for [a specified dowry]” and the man says: “I accept.” The period can range between one hour and a year, and is subject to renewal. A Muslim woman can only marry a Muslim man, but a Muslim man can temporarily marry a Muslim, Christian, or Jewish woman, as long as she is a divorce or a widow. However, those interviewed for this article confirmed that Hezbollah-the “Party of God”-has allowed the practice to spread to virgins or girls who have never married before, as long as the permission of her guardian (father or paternal grandfather) is obtained…

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

PDF here: http://presidencymaldives.gov.mv/downloads/organizational_chart_020609.pdf

International Day for Tolerance - 16 November

‘We, the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, … to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, … and for these ends to practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours

Time makes a difference… (by Mohamed Shafeeq - maldives in still mode)

President of Maldives on his way to a cabinet meeting. No, the president is not a fish, its a bird.

Photo by Mohamed Seeneen (via Presidency Maldives)