[independentmind]

Some may think a thriving sex trade in a theocracy with clerics acting as pimps is a contradiction in a country founded and ruled by Islamic fundamentalists. In fact, this is not a contradiction. First, exploitation and repression of women are closely associated. Both exist where women, individually or collectively, are denied freedom and rights.

The growing worldwide sex slave industry is a subject that interests me, but I think the above statement is inaccurate. That some societies permit this treatment of women is not, fundamentally a political issue. It's religious and cultural and no amount of tinkering with laws will change it.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

But there religion is politics and visa versa.

[r9etb]

The growing worldwide sex slave industry is a subject that interests me, but I think the above statement is inaccurate. That some societies permit this treatment of women is not, fundamentally a political issue. It's religious and cultural and no amount of tinkering with laws will change it.

I agree. Further, I think that the only "growing" part of the trade is its internationalization. I think within Arab countries, the basic practice has probably gone on for thousands of years.