It does not seem likely that Mukhtaran Mai (this has emerged as the predominant version of her name) is an innocent pawn in some larger political imbroglio. The decision to speak out against violence against women in her country was clearly her own, and I doubt the ANAA, the American-based human rights group that organized her speaking tour, could force her to leave the country if she didn’t want to.

The ANAA, or Asian-American Network Against Abuse of Women, appear to have close ties to Pakistan, and likely want to use Mukhtaran to persuade Congress to increase aid to that country. The sort of aid they are seeking, however, would “assist in funding initiatives focused on the prevention of violence against women in Pakistan,” motives that do not appear to be at odds with Mukhtaran’s. Recall that she is fairly saint-like, having used her victim’s compensation money to open schools in her village. Presumably part of the speaking tour payoff for her would be the inevitable benefit to the schools, aside from the obvious general-improvement-of-living-conditions for Pakistani women.

The Nation (Pakistan) http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/june-2005/15/index12.php

The ANAA http://www.4anaa.org/index.htm

Another Mukhtaran compendium, blog-style http://ko.offroadpakistan.com/pakistan/2004_10/mukhtaran_bibi_sentenced_to_be_raped.html

Meanwhile, I’m no Catholic, but a hero is pretty much a secular saint, right?

From I Blame the Patriarchy: “…it’s like the government of Pakistan is the drunkest guy at the fucktard’s frat party.”