Obaida Arnaout
Obaida Arnaout | |
|---|---|
عبيدة أرناؤوط | |
| Spokesperson for the Military Operations Command's Political Affairs Administration | |
| Leader | Ahmad al-Sharaa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hama, Syria |
Obaida Arnaout (Arabic: عبيدة أرناؤوط) is a Syrian politician and spokesperson for the Political Affairs Administration of the Military Operations Command in Syria.[1]
He gained widespread attention following controversial statements regarding the role of women in the government and society, sparking significant debate on social media platforms and in political circles.[1]
Controversial remarks
[edit]On 18 December 2024, Arnaout gave an interview in which he stated that "the essence of women and their biological and psychological nature do not fit all positions, such as the Ministry of Defense",[2] and, "As for women's representation in ministerial and parliamentary roles, we believe that this matter is premature and should be left to legal and constitutional experts who will work on rethinking the structure of the new Syrian state".[3] Arnaout's 18 December statements were interpreted by historian Juan Cole as implying a ban against women serving as members of parliament, as ministers, or as prime minister. Researcher Milena Zain al-Din from Damascus University disagreed with the spokesperson's statement, stating, "We, the young women and women of Syria, are activists, politicians, human rights advocates, journalists, economists, academics, workers, and homemakers. ... Obeida Arnaout's rhetoric is unacceptable. The Syrian woman, who has struggled and endured alongside millions of Syrian women, is not waiting for you to choose a place or role for her that aligns with your mindset for building our nation".[2] There was "widespread criticism" online in reaction to Arnaout's statement.[3]
See also
[edit]- Cabinet of Syria
- Women in Syria
- Aisha al-Dibs, The first woman to hold an official position in the Syrian Transitional Government following the fall of the Assad regime.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Syrian Official Sparks Controversy with Remarks About Women" (in Arabic). Sky News Arabia. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ^ a b Syria's New Fundamentalist Government: Women 'biologically' Unsuited to Politics, Universities to be Segregated, Juan Cole, 20 December 2024, Wikidata Q131520779, archived from the original on 20 December 2024
- ^ a b "Hundreds of Syrians in Damascus demand the inclusion of women in political work". Hawar News Agency. 19 December 2024. Wikidata Q131520760. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024.