I don't agree with the line taken in this article -that feminists do not respond to such atrocities. In fact, we are only aware of the case of that Pakistani woman because of feminist groups in Pakistan and the USA, who took up her case. They raised money, so that she was able to come to the US, and received corrective surgery by medical specialists who reconstruct faces after motor accidents.
The feminist support groups also provided legal advice for the Pakistani woman and her brother (who supported her) during the trial of her husband. The husband is now in jail in Pakistan. The brother, a very good man who stood by his sister, was given a small grant so that he could set himself up in a business.
Feminists can be accused of many things, but not inactivity on this case. They made it an internationally known crime.
I would agree with you that that particular case recieved a flood of international attention--mostly because it was first profiled in the
Washington Post. I do not equate brave and human organizations like RAWA to be "feminist"--especially by the traditional American definition.
The CNN special Behind the Veil was a heartwrenching portrait of the lives of women under Islamic law that never would have seen the light of day without RAWA's support.
American "feminism" is held hostage to organizations like NOW, NARAL and Planned Parenthood. The members of those organizations care little for the plight of powerless women, but care more for their own political agendas--and especially their own power and prestige.
I guess the most tragic part of the case we have been discussing is reading how that poor woman tried to care for her children after she was mutilated. It is so sad.
Take care.